Just last month, Royal Dutch Shell announced that it will be investing $1 billion a year in alternative fuels (via its New Energies division) and now, the company is making its second impactful move in that category.
Earlier this year, Shell began incorporating its own electric vehicle charging stations into a variety of its U.K. gas stations and now, it plans to acquire NewMotion – a Netherlands-based company that owns more than 30,000 electric vehicle charging stations throughout Western Europe and offers access to thousands more.
In an article by engadget, New Energies VP Matthew Tipper talks about the two projects: “One is fast charging on the go on the forecourt and the other is a slightly lower rate of charge at the workplace or at home. At this stage there are no plans to integrate the two.”
Both Shell’s EV charging stations and its next acquisition designate that the company expects electric vehicles to outnumber traditional gas-powered models in the near future. In fact, Morgan Stanley estimates that 1-3 million public charging points may be needed in Western Europe by 2030. (Currently, there are fewer than 100,000.)
About New Energies
From their website:
“Shell’s New Energies business builds on our experience in lower-carbon technology and explores new commercial models focused on the world’s energy transition… Our New Energies business will build on our experience in lower-carbon technologies, with the aim of providing more and cleaner energy solutions.”
In addition to electric vehicle charging stations, New Energies is focusing on biofuels in order to reduce CO2 emissions as well as windfarm power and solar power. Learn more at: http://www.shell.com/about-us/what-we-do/new-energies.html
*Photo courtesy of shell.co.uk
