SSE and TotalEnergies are teaming up to create a joint venture establishing electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in the UK and Ireland, under the brand Source.
The new business will deploy in both countries up to 3,000 high-power charge points, aiming to meet demand from EV and fleet owners to provide fast and reliable charging.
Within the next five years, Source aims to deploy up to 3000 high power charge points (of 150kW and more) grouped in 300 EV hubs, targeting 20% market share.
Charging hubs are set to be distributed in and around urban areas, and powered by renewable energy provided by SSE and TotalEnergies.
Several hubs are already under construction with plans for dozens more currently in development studies.
Source aims to provide reliable ultra-fast charging infrastructure needed across the UK to meet demand from EV drivers and fleet operators.
The demand was recently triggered by the enforcement into law of the UK Government’s zero vehicle emissions mandate for all new cars and vans, raising power supply infrastructure for EV and fleet owners as one of the biggest challenges facing the decarbonisation of transport.
“TotalEnergies is proud to contribute to the development of electric mobility to decarbonize transportation in the UK and Ireland,” said Mathieu Soulas, senior vice president new mobilities at TotalEnergies.
“This is a great opportunity to extend our network in Europe and stake out a key position as a reference high-power charging player. We want to offer our customers – passenger cars and fleet alike – a nationwide, ultra-fast and reliable charging service that allows them to travel efficiently with complete peace of mind.
“This development also contributes to our integrated power strategy in the UK, combining renewable and flexible power generation capacity, trading and marketing of low-carbon electricity available 24 hours a day.”
Neil Kirkby, managing director of enterprise at SSE added:
“SSE is already playing a leading role in decarbonising the UK and Ireland’s power system including building the world’s largest offshore wind farm and transforming electricity networks.
“Now this agreement will help accelerate progress towards a decarbonised transport system too, ensuring the vehicles that keep the economy moving can do so in a more sustainable and efficient way.”
The agreement is still subject to the applicable regulatory approvals being obtained from the relevant authorities.
