Shell has unveiled its largest electric vehicle (EV) charging station in the world in Shenzhen, China. This significant move marks Shell's continued shift towards sustainable energy solutions.
Located just 2.5 kilometers from the Shenzhen airport terminal, the new EV charging station boasts 258 public fast-charging terminals. During its trial period, the station is projected to serve over 3,300 EVs daily.
Operated through a joint venture between Shell and BYD, the station is a result of their collaboration initiated in March 2022 to develop an extensive EV charging network throughout China.
See also: Shell partnering with BYD for developing an electric vehicle battery charging network
Beyond charging services, the station offers a range of amenities, including retail facilities, coffee shops, dining options, and lounges, enhancing the overall EV charging experience.
One notable feature of the station is its rooftop solar panels, which generate 300,000 kWh of electricity annually. All of this renewable energy will be utilized exclusively for charging customers' vehicles, aligning with Shell's commitment to sustainability.
China represents a crucial growth market for Shell's retail and mobility business. The utilization rate of Shell's charging stations in the country surpasses industry averages, according to István Kapitány, Executive Vice President of Shell's global retail and mobility business.
As of the first half of the year, Shenzhen, home to BYD's headquarters, had a staggering 860,000 new energy vehicles (NEVs). The city government has ambitious plans to accelerate the construction of supercharging stations, aiming for 300 such stations by 2025 and a remarkable 1,000 by 2030.
See also: Fully autonomous vehicles allowed to run on certain roads in Shenzhen
Shell's strategic partnership with BYD, established in March 2022, kickstarted in China and Europe and is set to expand globally. The joint venture aims to operate more than 10,000 EV charging terminals in Shenzhen, with future expansion plans into other Chinese cities.
In addition to BYD, Shell's commitment to electric mobility is underscored by a strategic cooperation agreement signed with NIO in November 2021. Their collaboration focuses on jointly building battery swap stations in China and Europe, with operational stations already underway in both regions.
