Shell cuts ribbon on first 150kW forecourt charger

Shell has today officially launched the first 150kW electric vehicle (EV) charger to appear on a UK forecourt, promising to slash  charging times for zero emission motorists.

The company said the new Shell Recharge charger at its Battersea Service Station will sit alongside its existing 50kW rapid chargers, which can deliver a nought to 80 per cent charge in around 30 minutes. In contrast, the next generation 150kW chargers can deliver power up to three times faster, depending on the EV model that is plugged in.

Shell and other charging network operators are increasingly confident that ultra-rapid chargers that more closely replicate the refuelling times for conventional vehicles could help unlock significant new demand for EVs.

"More of our customer are driving electric vehicles and as they do we will offer them the ability to charge where it suits them - on the road, at home and at work," said Bernie Williamson, Shell's general manager for Retail UK. "This new 150kW charger is the latest addition to our Shell Recharge offering, joining the range of 50kW chargers we have already installed on our forecourts. Our aim is to make charging up as simple and stress-free as possible."

The company added that customers will be able to pay for the 100 per cent renewable power from the new charger using either a contactless payment card, a NewMotion app/card, or the SMOOV app. There are no subscription or connection fees; customers only pay for the power used to charge their car, Shell said.

The opening is the latest milestone for Shell's EV infrastructure expansion plans, which has seen it develop a range of public, domestic, and business focused charging products and services following its 2017 acquisition of European charging infrastructure specialist NewMotion.

It is also working on plans for even faster chargers following an agreement with the auto industry backed IONITY joint venture, which will see Shell offer super-fast 350kW charging points across 10 European countries, starting with 80 of Shell's biggest highway stations.

The latest news comes a day after Shell CEO Ben van Beurden reiterated calls for the UK government to bring forward its target to end the sale of internal combustion engine cars by 2040.

Speaking at the Shell Energy Live Summit he welcomed the adoption of a legally binding net zero emission target for 2050 and warned that if the new goal is to be met "the UK will have to move a whole lot more quickly on vehicles to meet the commitments that the government made [on net zero]".

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