Italy: IP, Enel X push ultrafast charging at the forecourt

Leading Italian fuel station player partners with Enel X to create a network of seven ultrafast charging stations in IP-branded stations in Italy.

IP API Group, the leading player in the Italian fuel and motorway services sectors, and Enel X, Enel’s global innovative and digital business line, are giving new impetus to the spread of electric mobility in Italy by creating a network of seven HPC (High Power Charge) charging stations placed in IP-branded refueling areas, according to a company’s press release.

The first three ultra-fast charging stations up to 350 kW are already operational at the IP service stations in Peschiera del Garda in the province of Verona, Zanica (Bergamo) and Biandrate (Novara), which can recharge four vehicles simultaneously in about 15 minutes. Four more will be added during 2021.

The network is part of the 'E-VIA FLEX-E' European project, coordinated by Enel X in partnership with EDF, Enedis, Verbund, Nissan, Groupe Renault and Ibil. The project is co-financed by the European Commission within the framework of the Connecting Europe Facility Transport 2016 call. This program will also create four ultra-fast sites in Spain and two in France.

"The creation of a network of ultrafast charging stations, which allows even faster charging times, is crucial to encouraging long-distance travel by car, including international trips," said Francesco Venturini, CEO of Enel X. "Today marks an important first step on the path that will see us install as many HPC points as possible throughout the country."

“By activating ultrafast charging points along suburban road corridors, we are doing two important things," said Ugo Brachetti Peretti, President of IP. "First, by reducing charging times, we make the electric car customer experience closer to the traditional one. Second, we expand the offer of the distributor network, which is a strategic infrastructure on which to build the transition to sustainability.”

Thanks to this project, Enel X becomes the first CPO ('Charge Point Operator') in Italy able to deal with all types of chargers on the market, says the press release.
IP API Group has been active in the fuel and mobility sector since 1933. With a current network of 5,000 IP-branded locations and nationwide logistics, the group is Italy’s sector leading private operator.