What is the Fastned network?
Fastned has been developing fast charging infrastructures for electric vehicles across Europe since 2012. Fastned's mission is to accelerate the transition to cleaner mobility. Based in Amsterdam, the company has built and operates 133 fast charging stations. These stations are located in the Netherlands, Germany, the UK, Belgium and Switzerland. The company intends to launch in France in the near future.
Fastned is regarded by electric vehicle owners for its capacity to innovate. With features such as Autocharge and the reliability of its installations, it's a much-appreciated brand.
Record growth in 2020
Fastned continued to grow in 2020 despite the global pandemic, impacting travel and recharge demand. Revenues from recharging increased by 37% to 6.3 million euros. Total revenues, including revenues from station construction under service concessions, amounted to 6.9 million euros.
According to the brand's press release, Fastned has invested heavily in upgradable fast-charging stations. But it has also invested in a network of new locations. These investments will enable the company to provide charging capacity for existing electric vehicles. But above all, to continue to meet the exponentially growing demand over the coming decades.
Heading for France
Fastned has expanded its fast-charging network by opening 17 new stations, including the first in Belgium and Switzerland - bringing the total to 131 stations by the end of 2020. Network capacity has been further increased by installing new, faster chargers at existing stations. In 2020, to cope with the growing number of electric vehicles on the road, Fastned has invested heavily in improving its existing network. The total number of chargers rose to 456 by the end of 2020 (2019: 297), bringing the average number of chargers per station to 3.5 (2019: 2.6).
Fastned also secured 28 new locations, bringing the total number of acquired locations (including existing stations) to 287. In 2020, Fastned entered a 6th country, acquiring the rights to develop and build 9 freeway fast-charging stations in France. This was the first tender for fast charging stations on French freeways, and many more are expected in 2021.
The government provides assistance for the installation of charging stations on freeways
It's almost perfect timing for Fastned. As part of the French economic recovery plan, a 100 million euro package has been earmarked to accelerate the development of fast electric recharging infrastructures on the road network. The aim is to equip all service areas by 2023.
What do you think of Fastned's installation in France?
