Antwerp, 15 January 2024 – Renewable energy company Storm and mobility player Q8 are launching Belgium’s first network of full-service fast charging stations. Both companies have entered into a unique partnership to build up to 200 fast charging stations together at new locations. At many of these, customers will also be able to shop for groceries and have a cup of coffee or a bite to eat.

“We are pooling our expertise in the areas of renewable energy, mobility and shopping experience in order to create a unique customer experience for EV users”, say Sven Dochez, Director Supply & Innovation at Q8, and Jan Caerts, CEO of Storm.

First full-service fast charging stations with shops and restaurants at prime locations 

The new fast charging stations by Storm and Q8 electric will be built at highly visible and easily accessible top locations across the country, both on major traffic arteries and near urban centres.

Half will have their own shop offering,  a generous range of sandwiches and premium coffee. For these facilities they are teaming up with partners like Delhaize and Panos, with whom they have generous experience at their service stations. One in four new stations will include a fast service restaurant. The rollout, at a rate of 40 new locations per year - or on average one every ten days - will start in the summer of 2024.

“We are extending our familiar convenience concept of shops at the Q8 service stations to the Q8 electric fast charging stations. This means we will be operating genuine full-service fast charging stations. In addition to charging their car, customers will be able to shop for groceries and have a cup of coffee or a bite to eat”, Sven Dochez explains. “We believe this will significantly enhance the experience and comfort of our customers who drive an EV.”

Ultra fast charging at 400kW

Every fast charging station will offer at least 10 to 16 charging points with a charging capacity of up to 400kW. An average vehicle with a 50kWh battery can charge to 80% in 15 to 20 minutes.

The individual charging points at the fast charging stations are also spacious enough to accommodate light trucks and delivery vans. All charging points are suited for people with a disability. All common charge cards, the Q8 electric app, and any bank or credit card are accepted.

Investment of up to €250 million

The plans of Q8 and Storm are expected to involve a total investment of up to €250 million. Q8 will operate the fast charging stations through long-term lease agreements with Storm, which will handle both development and construction.

“Through this network we are removing the final obstacle for the transition to electromobility”, says Jan Caerts. “Now that electric vehicles are rapidly becoming more affordable, a reliable, high-quality and widely available fast charging network is a primary concern for many users. We will remove that concern.”

“Initially we will focus on Belgium but the ambition of the partners stretches beyond our national borders. The Netherlands, where Q8 continues to build the Tango electric brand, and Luxembourg are definitely an option”, Sven Dochez concludes.

100% renewable energy

The fast charging stations will deliver 100% renewable energy of Belgian origin. The stations have been designed by young, Ghent-based architectural agency Martens Van Caimere Architecten. They will be constructed using sustainable and natural materials such as wood and will boast water-permeable paving, greenery, a green roof and solar panels.

About Q8

Q8 is one of the largest fuel players in the Belgian market with over 465 service stations and a network of over 120 local ‘Shop & Go’ convenience stores in Belgium, together with Delhaize and Panos. With HVO100, CNG, LNG and Q8 electric, Q8 also demonstrates a strong commitment to more sustainable mobility.  Since the launch of Q8 electric three years ago, Q8 has rapidly expanded its charging network. The Q8 charge card and app give access to 350,000 charging points in Europe and almost all charging points in the Benelux. At the moment, Q8 has also fitted 46 stations with fast chargers in the Benelux, of which there will be up to more than 250 in the next five years. Thus, Q8 continues to build hard on its transformation into a sustainable mobility player.

About Storm

Storm is a Belgian developer and operator of sustainable energy projects. Since its establishment in 2008, Storm has built onshore wind farms to the tune of
€350 million. Storm’s primary investment partners are the (Belgian) listed infrastructure investor TINC and the Flemish investment company PMV. It is Storm’s ambition to continue to accelerate the energy transition in Belgium in the years to come. Within this context, Storm is planning, amongst others, the realisation of dozens of new wind turbines, several large-scale battery storage projects and a fast charging network in partnership with Q8.