Energy giants TotalEnergies and SSE have joined forces to launch a major EV charging joint venture business in the UK and Ireland which will build 300 EV hubs over the next five years, offering up to 3,000 high power charging points.

Dubbed Source, the new business aims to garner 20% of the EV charging market and already has several hubs under construction, with plans for dozens more already in the pipeline.

The hubs will offer charging points of 150kW and higher and will be located in prime locations in and around urban areas. They will be powered by renewable energy provided by SSE and TotalEnergies.

SSE and TotalEnergies said Source will provide a reliable ultra-fast charging infrastructure to meet growing demand from EV drivers and fleet operators in the UK in response to the introduction of the Zero Emission Mandate for all new cars and vans - and in Ireland where the Irish government has a target of having almost 1 million EVs on roads by 2030.

Mathieu Soulas,TotalEnergies senior vice president of new mobilities (pictured left) said: “This is a great opportunity to extend our network in Europe and stake out a key position as a reference high-power charging player.

”We want to offer our customers – passenger cars and fleet alike – a nationwide, ultra-fast and reliable charging service that allows them to travel efficiently with complete peace of mind.

”This development also contributes to our integrated power strategy in the UK, combining renewable and flexible power generation capacity, trading and marketing of low-carbon electricity available 24 hours a day.”

Neil Kirkby, SSE managing director of enterprise (pictured right) added: “SSE is already playing a leading role in decarbonising the UK and Ireland’s power system including building the world’s largest offshore wind farm and transforming electricity networks.

”Now this agreement will help accelerate progress towards a decarbonised transport system too, ensuring the vehicles that keep the economy moving can do so in a more sustainable and efficient way.”

Lilian Greenwood, newly appointed Future of Roads Minister, said: “Source is a fantastic initiative with great potential to accelerate the UK’s transition to electric vehicles.

”This Government has made delivering greener journeys one of its top priorities for transport, and it’s by working together with industry that we’ll be able to boost consumer confidence through widespread, reliable electric vehicle charging – and achieve our shared goal of getting more electric vehicles on the road.”

Logistics UK also applauded the launch. Michelle Gardner, deputy director of policy, said: “This is exactly the type of charging infrastructure that is required and our members will welcome the installation of 3,000 rapid charge points across UK and Ireland.

”Vans are the workhorses of the UK economy but for many logistics organisations wanting to decarbonise, electrification remains impractical until the barriers around charging and the vehicles themselves are overcome.

”The logistics sector is committed to playing its part in helping achieve net zero, and we will continue to press the government for improved public charging, regulatory reform and fiscal support to reduce the costs and barriers to going electric, and therefore support a fair transition to a green economy. This plan from SSE and TotalEnergies is an important step in the right direction.”

 

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