The Volkswagen Group and Enel X Way announced the launch of their equally-owned joint venture Ewiva, aiming to boost the electric mobility uptake in Italy, promoting the reliable and capillary high-power charging (HPC) network development across the country, as per the press release by the company.
The opening and announcement of the first Ewiva’s premium recharging station in Rome mark the continuation of the close cooperation between the Enel Group and Volkswagen for offering a full e-mobility ecosystem in Italy.
The expansion of the charging infrastructure plays a key role in the success of e-cars. Enel and Volkswagen, two strong partners from different industries, have now joined forces to tackle this task in a targeted manner, thus advancing e-mobility in Italy.
Thomas Schmall, Volkswagen Group Board Member for Technology and CEO of Volkswagen Group Components
This joint venture represents another breakthrough in Enel X Way and Enel Group’s current push to spread e-mobility in Italy by speeding up the development of a state-of-the-art high-power charging network, helping make EVs the driver’s first choice, says the Head of Enel X Way Elisabetta Ripa.
She added that in the process, and in line with the strategy adopted by Enel X Way in public charging infrastructure development, they are taking an open approach, which makes the network available for all Mobility Service Providers and EV drivers from all manufacturers.
Ewiva’s charging network in Italy
At present, Ewiva is already deploying the largest ultra-fast charging network in Italy, with 750 points. Some are currently awaiting activation in 233 locations, adding to an estimated 17,000 charging points operated by Enel X Way.
The JV anticipates having charging points in 500 locations by the end of 2023. By 2025, it aims to reach 3,000 charging points, each with up to 350 kW and powered by 100% renewable energy.
Overall, Ewiva will operate over 800 sites dedicated to suburban areas, city centers, and main roads used by tourists and commuters. Drivers of all EV types from all manufacturers could benefit from the HPC network.
In addition, Ewiva was launched in Rome at its first premium recharging station’s grand opening in Via Flaminia 871, which will provide a lounge open to all consumers and 14 ultra-fast charging points, each with up to 300 kW, all under a solar roof made of PV panels manufactured at the Enel’s 3Sun Gigafactory in Sicily.
About Enel X Way
Enel X Way is the Enel Group’s new company dedicated to electric mobility. Presently, Enel X Way operates in 16 countries and manages almost 430,000 charging points, directly and through roaming agreements worldwide.
As an e-Mobility global platform, the company is committed to developing flexible charging technologies and solutions to enhance the consumer experience and to allow the electrification of transport for customers, cities, businesses, and public administrations.
About Volkswagen Group
With the NEW AUTO strategy, the Volkswagen Group has made charging and energy its core business. Like no other automaker, the company invests in the worldwide open fast-charging network development.
About 45,000 High Power Charging (HPC) points are planned in China, Europe, and the US together with partners by 2025. In the next step, VW targets to anchor the electric car as a mobile power bank in the energy system, creating extra added value for electric vehicle consumers.
