Automakers across Europe are banding together to launch a continent-wide electric vehicle charging network. Ionity is a joint venture between Volkswagen, Ford, Daimler and BMW as well as European convenience stores Tank & Rast, OMV and Circle K. The plan is to open 400 high powered charging stations across Europe by 2020. This would make long-distance travel with electric vehicles a real possibility.
So far there are plans for 20 stations by the end of the year, to be located at 75-mile intervals. 100 more will be added to the electric vehicle charging network in 2018. This move brings Ionity into competition with Tesla and its Supercharger Network, which currently has 350 operational stations in Europe.
Collaborative EV Charging Networks
Ionity is a Europe-Wide Electric Vehicle Charging Network
Trend Themes
1. Collaborative EV Charging Networks - Automakers across Europe are banding together to launch a continent-wide electric vehicle charging network, making long-distance travel with electric vehicles a real possibility.
2. High-powered Charging Stations - Ionity's plan to open 400 high powered charging stations across Europe by 2020 presents opportunities for companies to innovate and create new charging technologies.
3. Competition with Tesla Supercharger Network - Ionity's entry into the market presents an opportunity for competition and disruption in the EV charging industry.
Industry Implications
1. Automotive - Ionity's joint venture between Volkswagen, Ford, Daimler and BMW presents opportunities for automakers to innovate in EV charging technologies.
2. Retail - Convenience stores Tank & Rast, OMV and Circle K's involvement in Ionity presents opportunities for the retail industry to expand into the EV charging market.
3. Energy - Ionity's expansion presents opportunities for energy companies to invest in and innovate new renewable energy sources to power EV charging stations.