Fuse Battery Metals Inc. (FUSEF)

[Andco]

It’s Over: Oil Giant Shell Doubles Down On EV Charging Stations

October 16th, 2017 by Tina Casey

Like the saying goes, it ain’t over ‘til it’s over — but it’s over. The reign of the conventional gas-powered is coming to a close and electric vehicles are poised to dominate. In the most recent development, last Friday the leading global oil company Royal Dutch Shell announced that it is buying one of Europe’s largest and most highly regarded EV charging providers, NewMotion.



Those of you steeped in petroleum history may recall that back in the early 20th century, millions of people lost access to EV transportation when gasmobile manufacturer General Motors systematically bought up — and promptly shut down — electric streetcar companies. So, is this another bait and switch?

No, Really, It’s Over: Shell Dives Into EV Charging Biz

Shell’s new venture into electric vehicle infrastructure is not likely to result in the same bait-and-switch. The basic idea is to install EV charging stations at existing Shell gas stations, in order to keep the Shell brand front and center as drivers switch to EVs.

That’s not a bad idea. In fact, could help accelerate the EV trend. EV sales are rising but so far, most consumers have been skittish about investing thousands of dollars in new automotive technology. Anything that connects the EV experience with an existing, familiar brand could help shepherd new car buyers over to the EV aisle.

Shell has been working along those lines since at least 2010, when a company official suggested that Shell would transition from a gas station model to an “energy station” model for retail sales.

Things were pretty quiet until last fall, when Shell hinted that it was taking a good look at outfitting its EU gas stations with charging stations.

Sure enough, in February Shell announced that its UK and Netherlands gas stations would soon offer EV charging. The company did not let the grass grow under its feet. It began rolling out the first charging stations last month, courtesy of the company Allego.

In keeping with the comfort-in-familiarity theme, our friends over at electrek.com notice that the EV charging stations sport the Shell logo and look similar to gas pumps.

Just a few days ago Shell let drop that it is already thinking ahead to the role that its EV charging station can play in load balancing and other aspects of “smart grid” technology.

https://cleantechnica.com/2017/10/16/oil-giant-shell-doubles-ev-charging-stations/