Shell joins BMW, VW, Mercedes and Ford’s Ionity fast charging for EVs

Royal Dutch Shell has joined in with the Ionity project run by BMW, VW, Mercedes and Ford to install fast charging for electric cars in the UK and Europe.

Earlier this month we got more details on the plan by BMW Group, Daimler AG, Ford and the Volkswagen Group (including Audi and Porsche) and their Ionity project to deliver fast charging for electric cars across the UK and Europe.

The agreement followed an MOU in 2016 between the parties, and the plan will see some 400 fast-charge electric stations arriving by 2020, nicely in time for the roll-out of cars like the new Mission E from Porsche able to handle charge rates of up to 350kW.

Now, it’s been announced that Shell are joining in the Ionity project as they seek to future-proof their business as cars move away from oil, and will start delivering charging stations in 10 countries.

This new move is in addition to the rollout already going on in the UK bey Shell – with the first three forecourt EV charging points at Shell garages opening last month.

Initially, Shell will have Ionity charging points at 80 of its biggest fuel stations – with an average of six charging points at each – and Shell say it will take an average of five to eight minutes to charge. Depending, of course, on the cars being charged able to accept the high charge rates on offer.