TotalEnergies, in partnership with SSE, a Scottish renewable energy producer, has announced an ambitious project to significantly expand the network of charging points for electric vehicles in the UK and Ireland. This strategic partnership calls for the installation of 3,000 fast-charging stations, rated at 150 kW or more, spread over 300 stations by the end of 2028. The sites, grouped under the “Source” brand, will be located mainly in urban and suburban areas.
The joint venture, equally owned by the two partners, will employ around fifty people. It aims to capture 20% of the recharge market in the two countries concerned, with an estimated investment of 300 million euros. The collaboration between TotalEnergies and SSE is based on an entirely renewable energy supply, provided by both companies. In the UK, similar projects are multiplying, as demonstrated by MAN and E.ON’s initiative to set up charging stations for trucks.
A Commitment to Electrification
TotalEnergies is already present in the UK market with 2,600 charge points in London and Birmingham, operated under the Source London brand. SSE, meanwhile, develops and operates a renewable energy production and storage network, with charging stations in Scotland and Ireland. The two companies are also partners in an offshore wind farm project on the east coast of Scotland.
The partnership in this new project aims to accelerate the development of charging infrastructures, synchronizing the pace of deployment with the growth of the electric vehicle market. Mathieu Soulas, Director of New Mobilities at TotalEnergies, emphasized the importance of this collaboration for site selection and SSE’s expertise in connecting sites to the power grid.
A booming market
The UK electric vehicle market is growing fast. In January, the country registered its one millionth all-electric vehicle. Electric vehicles accounted for 16.6% of new vehicle sales in the first six months of the year, a figure comparable to that for France. The British government, under the leadership of the Labour Party, has brought forward the target of 100% electric car sales to 2030, compared with 2035 initially set by the previous government.
As of April 1, there were 59,670 public charging points for electric vehicles in the UK, an increase of almost 50% in one year. This dynamic reflects the public’s desire to support the transition to electromobility, a crucial aspect in meeting CO2 emission reduction and environmental protection targets.
Future prospects
The partnership between TotalEnergies and SSE represents a significant step forward in the development of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles in the UK and Ireland. By combining their expertise and resources, these two major players in renewable energy and new mobility aim to meet the growing needs of electric vehicle users. This initiative is part of a broader energy transition aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable mobility.
