Storm and Q8 plan to build up to 200 fast-charging stations featuring shops, sandwiches, coffee and restaurants.
Storm and Q8 are launching the first network of full-service fast-charging stations in Belgium. This unique partnership will result in up to 200 fast-charging stations built at new locations. At many of them, you’ll be able to do your grocery shopping, have a coffee or grab a bite to eat.
“We’re combining our expertise around renewable energy, mobility and shopping services to create a unique customer experience for the userbase of electric vehicles”, announce Sven Dochez, Director Supply & Innovation at Q8 and Jan Caerts, CEO of Storm.
The first full-service fast-charging stations with shops and restaurants at prime locations
Storm and Q8 electric's new fast-charging stations will be situated at highly visible and accessible prime locations nationwide, close to major traffic routes and urban centres.
Half of the stations will have their own shop, serving a wide range of sandwich and premium coffee options. These facilities will be provided in collaboration with partners like Delhaize and Panos, with which Q8 has a wealth of experience in its petrol stations. A quarter of the stations will also feature a fast-service restaurant. The roll-out is paced at a rate of 40 new locations a year – an average of one every ten days – starting in the summer of 2024.
“We are extending our well-known convenience concept of installing shops at Q8 petrol stations to the Q8 electric fast-charging stations. We will thus be operating true full-service fast-charging stations. In addition to charging their car, customers can do their shopping with us and have a coffee or something to eat," says Sven Dochez. "We believe this will make a key difference in the experience and comfort of our customers with an electric vehicle.”
Ultra-fast charging at 400 kW
Each fast-charging station will feature at least 10 to 16 chargers with a charging capacity of up to 400 kW. For an average car with a 50-kWh battery, that equals a state-of-charge of 80% in 15 to 20 minutes.
Individual charging bays at these fast-charging stations will be able to accommodate light trucks and vans. Each charger will be accessible to people with disabilities. Settling payment can be done with all current charging cards, with the Q8 electric app and with any debit or credit card.
Investment of up to €250 million
These plans by Q8 and Storm are expected to account for an investment of €250 million. Q8 will operate the fast-charging stations through long-term leasehold agreements with Storm, which will be responsible for development and construction.
“With this network, we’re clearing the final roadblocks to the switch to electric driving”, Jan Caerts states. “With electric vehicles becoming more affordable at a rapid pace, a reliable and widely present fast-charging network of high quality will be the main issue for many users. We’ll be addressing those concerns.”
“Starting out, Belgium will be the main focus but as partners, our ambition extends to rolling out in other countries. The Netherlands, where Q8 is building the Tango electric brand, is certainly an option in this respect, as well as Luxembourg”, Sven Dochez concludes.
100% renewable energy
The fast-charging stations will supply 100% renewable energy of Belgian origin. The stations were designed by young Ghent-based architectural firm Martens Van Caimere Architects. They will be built with sustainable and natural materials like wood and will have permeable paving, green landscaping, a green roof and solar panels.
