Fastned, which is building a European network of fast-charging stations is expanding its network into Germany. On April 19 Fastned announced that it has acquired its first 14 locations in Germany. At these locations Fastned will build and operate stations with multiple fast chargers, that are suited to charge the next generation of EVs at power levels of 150 kW to 350 kW. These will be the first of such stations in Germany that are accessible to all car brands, and where EVs can be charged with up to 500 kilometers of range in just 15 minutes. Fastned commits itself to open the stations before the launch of major new electric cars such as the Audi Q6 e-tron, Volkswagen I.D., Porsche Mission E, Tesla Model 3 and the Jaguar I-PACE.

Fastned is concessionaire for 201 fast charging stations along Dutch highways and already has 60 stations operational. At these locations Fastned sells electricity to electric drivers. For the last two years Fastned has shown consistent rapid growth of around 10% month-on-month.

Fastned has been working on the development of locations outside the Netherlands for some time. For the realisation of its fast charging stations Fastned approaches (local) authorities and private parties which have high-quality locations close to the highway. In the coming months the charging company expects to sign more locations in Germany as well as in other countries. By doing so Fastned takes concrete steps towards the development of a pan-European fast charging network where all electric cars can fast charge.

Michiel Langezaal, CEO Fastned: “We are witnessing the start of the ‘Autowende’, from fossil to electric. This is accompanied by the start of a transition from petrol stations to fast-charging stations where electric cars can charge super fast and continue their journey. Fastned is building a pan-European network of fast charging stations that will provide freedom to drivers of electric cars to travel across Europe. As charging speeds increase, charging will become like refuelling your car, and fast charging stations will be the petrol stations of the future.”

For the German locations Fastned cooperates with the municipality of Limburg, hotel chain Van der Valk and property developer Lutzenberger Projektentwicklung (Lu.pe).

Dr. Marius Hahn, Mayor of Limburg an der Lahn: “We are pleased with the commitment of Fastned in Limburg. For us this is an additional offer for mobility managing without combustion engines. With Fastned we will enter a new dimension to increase the attractiveness of electromobility between the agglomerations of Frankfurt and Cologne. The quick charging station will significantly strengthen the industrial estate at the Intercity Railway Station connected with the purpose to settle innovative companies with creative ideas in this area. The international character of the provider is particularly valuable for our city.” The mayor of Limburg hopes that this sustainable mobility will prevail to existing and future companies in the ICE-Railway-Station business park.”

Vincent van der Valk, Director Van der Valk Deutschland GmbH: “Both Van der Valk and Fastned offer service to people who are on the road. Our hotels are located near major highways and therefore also interesting to Fastned. This forms the basis of our partnership. We are delighted that we will soon have qualitative charging facilities available for our guests and other EV drivers, while we don’t have to operate these stations ourselves. Fastned takes care of everything and makes sure the chargers are always working. And of course the EV driver can also use the the services that Van der Valk hotels has to offer. A clear win-win situation.”

Elmar Lutzenberger, Managing Partner Lutzenberger Projektentwicklung: “We have been developing traffic-oriented service areas on the left and right side of the German highways since 2001. It is becoming more and more obvious that electric cars are a part of the mobility future. That’s why I think it is important to have qualitative fast charging stations on our service areas. Fastned is a leading player in this market, and provides extremely high-quality charging services.”

• Fastned is expanding its operations in Germany.