Q8 and Storm partner to open 200 fast charging stations
Published on: Jan 16, 2024
Q8 and Storm are teaming up to build up to 200 fast charging stations with shops, sandwiches, coffee and restaurants.
Renewable energy company Storm and mobility player Q8 are launching Belgium’s first network of full-service fast charging stations. Both companies have entered into a unique partnership to build up to 200 fast charging stations together at new locations. At many of these, customers will also be able to shop for groceries and have a cup of coffee or a bite to eat.
The new fast charging stations by Storm and Q8 will be built at highly visible and easily accessible locations across the country, both on major traffic arteries and near urban centres.
Half will have their own shop with a range of sandwiches and premium coffee. For these facilities they are teaming up with partners like Delhaize and Panos, with whom they have generous experience at their service stations. One in four new stations will include a fast service restaurant. The rollout, at a rate of 40 new locations per year - or on average one every ten days - will start in the summer of 2024.
“We are extending our familiar convenience concept of shops at the Q8 service stations to the Q8 electric fast charging stations. This means we will be operating genuine full-service fast charging stations. In addition to charging their car, customers will be able to shop for groceries and have a cup of coffee or a bite to eat”, Sven Dochez explains.
Every fast charging station will offer at least 10 to 16 charging points with a charging capacity of up to 400kW. An average vehicle with a 50kWh battery can charge to 80% in 15 to 20 minutes.
The plans of Q8 and Storm are expected to involve a total investment of up to €250 million. Q8 will operate the fast charging stations through long-term lease agreements with Storm, which will handle both development and construction.
“Initially we will focus on Belgium but the ambition of the partners stretches beyond our national borders. The Netherlands, where Q8 continues to build the Tango electric brand, and Luxembourg are definitely an option”, Sven Dochez concludes.
Q8 is one of the largest fuel players in the Belgian market with over 465 service stations and a network of over 120 local ‘Shop & Go’ convenience stores in Belgium.
