Shell Brings Fast EV Charging to the UK

The electric car revolution is well underway, and global oil and gas giant Royal Dutch Shell has adopted an "if you can't beat them join them" mentality. In October Shell launched a trio of electric vehicle charging stations in the UK, with seven more set to open by the end of 2018.

According to Shell, the stations are capable of recharging most electric vehicle batteries from zero to 80% in just 30 minutes. Shell maintains that it's dedicated to evolving with consumer demands and embracing the global EV movement.  

Shell invests in electric

The launch of the high-speed electric charging stations come just days after Shell announced its acquisition of NewMotion. The Dutch based company owns one of Europe's biggest EV charging networks and has played an important role in developing smart, efficient and easy-to-use charging solutions.

“Shell believes electric vehicles will form a material part of the transport network going forward,” asserts Jane Lindsay-Green, Shell UK future fuels manager.

10 down, millions to go

While currently there are less than 100,000 electric vehicles on British roads, Shell predicts that by 2040 around 25% of the world’s cars will be powered by electricity. According to global financial institution Morgan Stanley, this means that by 2030 Europe will need to be equipped with anywhere from one to three million public charging stations.

So what does it cost to charge a car at the new Shell Recharge station? Currently, customers pay around 49 pence per kilowatt-hour (kWh). For a Nissan Leaf this would equate to around £9.80.

A "new space" for Shell

By the end of the year Shell plans to offer the service at 10 British locations, with Lindsay-Green affirming that the recharge stations will play a pivotal role in helping Shell meet the changing demands of its customers.  

“This is a new space for Shell. We need to be exploring different opportunities ... We’re starting small and are going to learn quickly. Then we’re going to move in 2018 based on what our customers want,” she explains.

While electric cars will soon phase out petrol, the aviation industry faces a unique set of challenges. For a close look at how the industry is working to minimise emissions don't miss 'Freezing Point Determination of AVGAS and Jet Fuel.' It spotlights Aviation Gasoline, the world's last remaining lead-containing transportation fuel. Also known as Avgas, it releases lead into the air during the combustion process. Together with the Environmental Protection Agency, the United States FAA is working on ways to eliminate lead emissions from gasoline piston-engine aircraft and make the switch to cleaner, greener skies.