Shell purchases UK’s largest EV charging network, Ubitricity
January 26, 2021
Royal Dutch Shell is acquiring the United Kingdom’s largest public electric vehicle charging network, Ubitricity, in an effort to “support drivers as they switch to lower-carbon transport”. The massive deal has been reached with an undisclosed amount and is expected to be completed by the end of 2021 subject to regulatory clearance.
German company Ubitricity has more than 2700 on-street charge points across the UK, and more in several European countries. Shell is getting into the EV action just in time, as electric vehicle sales are expected to skyrocket in 2021 as governments push for cleaner energy, and the demand for charge points will also heighten.
Production has already begun to install about 1000 ultra-fast and fast charging points at 430 Shell retail sites with worldwide access to 185 000 third-party EV charging points.
“We want to support the growing number of Shell customers who want to switch to an EV by making it as convenient as possible for them,” said István Kapitány, executive vice president of Shell Global Mobility.
“On-street options such as the lamp post charging offered by Ubitricity will be key for those who live and work in cities or have limited access to off-street parking. Whether at home, at work or on-the-go, we want to provide our customers with accessible and affordable EV charging options so they can charge up no matter where they are.”
“This acquisition marks Shell’s expansion into the fast-growing on-street EV charging market and will provide critical competencies, helping Shell to scale its overall EV charging offer.”
This move is part of Shell’s aim to expand its low-carbon transport options for customers and help reduce their carbon footprint. The company aims to become a net-zero emissions energy business by 2050 or sooner.
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