Fastned opens first of multiple fast charging stations at REWE supermarkets

Fastned, the European fast charging network for electric vehicles, has opened its fast charging station at German supermarket REWE Center Giessen, 60 kilometres north of Frankfurt. The new charging station is the first of a number of charging stations at REWE stores that Fastned intends to open over the next year. By combining fast-charging and grocery retailing, Fastned and REWE aim to improve electric vehicle charging infrastructure across Germany. 

Fastned specialises in developing and operating fast charging stations at convenient locations along highways and in cities across Europe. At the stations, drivers can fast charge their electric vehicle with energy from renewable sources, before continuing their journey. Based in Amsterdam, the Dutch company has built 130 sustainable fast charging stations across the Netherlands, Germany, the United Kingdom and Belgium, since it was founded in 2012. Fastned is listed on Euronext Amsterdam.

The partnership with REWE Region Mitte will allow electric drivers to combine shopping and charging their vehicles at the same time. Over the next 12 months, Fastned will open a number of additional charging stations at REWE stores. Each Fastned station is designed and built to minimise its impact on the environment, where possible using sustainably sourced and certified materials. 

Electric drivers in Germany still face limited charging infrastructure coverage and the partnership between Fastned and REWE Region Mitte will add to the charging infrastructure for all electric drivers. This is especially relevant because of the growing number of fully electric vehicles on German roads. The share of fully electric vehicles among all newly registered cars in Germany is increasing rapidly, growing from 1% in 2018 to 4% in the first half year of 2020 and 10% by November 2020. 

The cooperation is in line with REWE’s plans to create more sustainable buildings, reduce the energy intensity of distribution and offer green products, as well as with Fastned’s goal to build a European fast charging network, delivering 100% sustainable energy to electric vehicles. 

The design of the stations makes it easy for customers to immediately spot them from the main road and not have to circle on the parking lot. Electric drivers will be able to enter the station and immediately access 50 kW charging, 24/7, at eight dedicated spots. Each charger will have both a CCS and a CHAdeMO connection. This station will provide up to 20 times faster charging compared to home charging. A regular shopping trip will allow customers to replenish their battery, adding roughly the range that an average motorist uses on a weekly basis.

Fastned already operates 18 large fast charging stations in Germany and builds its stations with as little impact on the environment as possible, all delivering 100% green energy, partly generated on the solar roofs. As with other station models, the columns of Fastned’s yellow wings are made of larch wood from Europe and are certified under the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification program, a sustainable forest management certification. 

Drivers will be able to pay for their charging sessions with a multitude of payment options including credit cards, debit cards, charging cards and the Fastned app. 

Click here to download a high resolution image of the Fastned station or the location map of the Fastned in stations in Germany.