Smatrics EnBW, a joint venture, has unveiled plans for the construction of 200 new High-Power Charging (HPC) points in Austria with capacities of up to 400 kW in the coming year. These charging points are slated to be strategically located along the country’s road network and within urban supermarket parking lots.
The expansion will focus on key areas along the west and south motorways, with the first large fast-charging parks set to become operational in 2024. Notable locations include Innermanzing in Lower Austria and Regau and Vorchdorf in Upper Austria, where charging parks featuring 16 fast-charging points each will be established. Another park with twelve charging points is planned for Spielberg in Styria.
Thomas Huemer, CEO of the joint venture, emphasized the importance of providing fast-charging infrastructure not only along highways but also in retail and urban areas. The new charging points at supermarket locations enable drivers to conveniently charge their vehicles while shopping.
Smatrics EnBW is extending its collaboration with retailers, adding up to 120 more charging points as part of the partnership with the REWE Group in Austria. These additions will complement the existing 70 charging points at Billa, Billa Plus, and Penny, with the expansion scheduled to be completed by 2025. The company also plans to significantly increase its charging network next year in collaboration with additional retail partners, including Bauhaus Austria and Metro.
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Looking ahead, Smatrics EnBW has plans to introduce charging points for trucks at locations with ample space starting in 2024. The Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Protection will support these new charging locations away from urban areas through the charging infrastructure promotion program, LADIN.
Throughout the expansion, Smatrics EnBW intends to maintain its commitment to sustainable practices, relying on green electricity from Verbund for the charging points’ electricity mix.
