Fastned, an European fast-charging network for electric vehicles (EVs), has unveiled its vision for the “motorway service station of the future” with the opening of a shop, restaurant, and toilets at one of its fast-charging stations. This development marks a significant step towards making the EV charging experience more pleasant and convenient for customers.
The first location of this innovative concept is situated on the E19 motorway in Brecht, Belgium, between Antwerp and Breda. Fastned plans to expand this concept to other locations, starting with Gentbrugge, where it intends to build charging stations with shops on both sides of the E17 motorway next year. The company aims to create a new standard for motorway service stations, where only electric vehicles can be charged, aligning with its commitment to sustainable mobility.
Luuk Valk, Retail Development Manager at Fastned, emphasized the focus on meeting travellers’ needs with the new shop’s product range, stating, “On the one hand, there are the familiar favourites that people are used to finding in a shop. On the other hand, we have added new sustainable and healthier options that fit in well with Fastned’s values.”
The sustainability theme extends to the design of the shop, featuring sustainable building materials such as wood and energy-efficient elements like a heat pump and solar panels on the green roof. Valk highlighted the shop’s role as a relaxing oasis for travellers, offering comfortable lounge sofas in the ‘Greenhouse’ area where visitors can enjoy amenities like fresh Bocca coffee, washroom facilities, or order a meal in the restaurant while their vehicle charges.
Looking ahead, Fastned hopes to enhance the customer charging experience at its 34 motorway locations in Germany. Linda Boll, country manager of Fastned Germany, expressed the company’s desire to engage with Autobahn GmbH and the Federal Ministry to introduce similar amenities at German motorway service areas, stating, “We hope to enter into dialogue with Autobahn GmbH and the Federal Ministry on this and ultimately offer our customers the best possible charging experience.”
