EDF Luminus and Q8 join together to install fast charging stations for electric vehicles
EDF Luminus and Q8 have signed a cooperation agreement for the installation of fast charging stations at Q8 service stations along Belgian main roads and motorways, forming a nation-wide network. These fast charging stations will form part of a European network of 300 fast chargers that connect Italy, France, Belgium and the United Kingdom. With this cooperation, EDF Luminus and Q8 aim to stimulate sustainable mobility and improve air quality.
Fast charging stations
In the course of 2017 EDF Luminus and Q8 will install 18 fast charging stations of the latest generation, each with 2 fast chargers for electric cars at Q8 service stations along Belgian main roads and motorways. The charging capacity of these new fast charging stations is 50 kW, making it possible to charge up to 80% of batteries in 30 minutes. As the charging stations are of the latest generation, it will be much easier to plug electric cars in. The charging stations have multi-standard sockets so that all current electric cars can access the fast charging structure. The installation of these fast charging stations means that from next year car drivers will be able to travel in an electric vehicle throughout the whole of Belgium without worrying about running out of charge.
UNIT-E project
The agreement between EDF Luminus and Q8 is made within the framework of the UNIT-E project funded by the European Commission and the car manufacturers Renault, Nissan and BMW. It provides for the installation of 300 fast charging stations at strategic points along motorways in Belgium, France, Italy and the United Kingdom. This establishes an important basis for problem-free driving between northern and southern Europe.
2020 Targets
Grégoire Dallemagne, CEO of EDF Luminus: “EDF Luminus is eager to enter the fight against global warming and more specifically the emission of greenhouse gases. Electric mobility will help us achieve the European directive for the rollout of a cleaner fuel infrastructure by 2020. A nation-wide network of fast charging stations is necessary to further stimulate the use of electric cars. EDF Luminus is contributing actively to achieve this.”
Q8 invests in a green future
“In recent years we at Q8 have introduced many energy-saving initiatives at our service stations. It is, of course, vital that we continue to push the limits in terms of energy-efficiency. Following our investment in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), we are therefore enthusiastic about our cooperation with EDF Luminus to introduce fast charging stations at our service stations. This means we can offer our customers a wide range of sustainable alternatives”, Koen Vankelst, Retail & IT Director Q8 Northwest Europe, explains.
About Q8 Petroleum
Q8 Petroleum Belgium is one of the biggest players on the Belgian fuel market. Currently Q8 Belgium operates around 450 service stations. Q8 Belgium has built up a strong partnership with Delhaize for the realisation of the Shop & Go convenience stores - an easy, local and quick shopping solution. Q8 currently has more than 100 Shop & Go’s. In addition, Q8 Belgium also ccoperates with Panos: a collaborate venture that will result in almost 90 Q8 service stations offering a Panos corner where fresh bread rolls and pastries can be purchased. Q8 Belgium also has more than 40 International Diesel Services (IDS) stations in Belgium, specially set up for the transport sector. In addition to selling fuel, Q8 Belgium is also active in the production, marketing and sale of Q8 lubricants. Additionally, Q8 Belgium supplies fuel to professional end users and retailers.
