Elli, a subsidiary of Volkswagen, has achieved a major milestone in its electric vehicle (EV) charging network. It now offers access to over half a million charging points across 28 European countries, making it the largest and fastest-growing charging network in Europe, according to a statement by VW. Elli customers can charge their EVs regardless of their car brand at around 950 providers. This achievement comes just four months after Elli announced it had reached 400,000 charging points, highlighting the rapid growth of the network.
Of the 500,000 charging points, most are AC charging points, but the exact number of DC charging points with up to 100 kW power is not specified in the press release. However, access to 33,000 high power charging (HPC) points is now possible via the Elli charging network, with around 5,000 charging points already equipped with Plug&Charge, allowing automatic start and settlement of the charging process without a charging card, app or RFID chip.
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Elli has expanded its charging network through numerous partnerships and cooperations with energy providers, including Enel and Iberdrola, the oil company BP and Ionity, among others. The exact partners and regions in which the additional 100,000 charging points have been integrated since December are not specified by VW.
The Elli charging network is primarily known as the basis for charging services for various VW brands, including We Charge, Easy Charging from Seat and Cupra, Powerpass from Skoda and Audi Charging. However, Elli also acts as a mobility service provider for drivers of electric cars from all manufacturers.
According to Thomas Schmall, Group Chief Technology Officer, “Half a million charging points in the Elli charging network represent an important milestone on our e-mobility roadmap. Together with our partners, we are building a comprehensive, seamless charging network in Europe.” VW emphasized that rapid expansion of the charging infrastructure is crucial for the wider adoption of EVs.
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Overall, Elli’s charging network has grown significantly in a short period, demonstrating the ongoing commitment of VW to promote electric mobility in Europe. With access to over half a million charging points, drivers of electric vehicles now have greater freedom to travel and charge their vehicles in more places than ever before.
