Electra and Spie to install 21 fast-charging locations in Belgium

Electra has concluded a contract with services company Spie to expand its fast-charging network in Belgium. The collaboration will install fast chargers at 21 locations across Belgium, and preparatory works have started since September.

Electra is turning to the energy transition know-how of Spie to grow its activities in the fast-charger market. It aims to manage 250 charging stations by the end of the decade. In contrast to companies like Sparki, which seek field partners to install the infrastructure, Electra looks for land acquisition. It aims at three to six stations per site, aligning with its current approach.

From study to maintenance

Spie has been contracted to assess the possible locations, analyze the provision of power, install the charging stations, and maintain them. The experts will need to decide whether certain areas need extra high-voltage cabinets. According to Electra, servicing the stations accounts for 20% of the investment.

As a subcontractor, Spie is further responsible for handling consumption peaks and ensuring that each station functions according to the promised energy levels. Land planning is the first part of Spie’s responsibility. The company has already begun identifying projects and studies in September. It hasn’t been made official when the 21 locations will be up and running.

In an interview with Newmobility.news, president of EV Belgium Jochen Desmedt said it usually takes two years between official licensing and operations. Desmedt also warned that the market for superchargers would be saturated rapidly, as there are other preferred charging solutions for EV drivers, who often choose home or office charging.

At home in France

Electra already has fast chargers at seven locations in Belgium, with the majority rating at 300 kW. It is not known at which speed the new stations will charge. Electra’s primary market is France, while it has a modest presence in Italy. These stations are run and managed in-house.

General Manager at Electra Louis-Charles Mosseray commented: “We are thrilled that we can rely on Spie Belgium as a partner, working hand in hand on deploying these 21 rapid charging stations across the country. We hope to become the largest provider in Belgium and Luxembourg with 250 charging stations deployed by 2030, and this first partnership will help us to solidify the numerous land partnerships that we have already entered into.”