ORLEN Unipetrol to expand EV fast charging network in Czech Republic
The retailer has partnered with Škoda Auto to deploy charging stations across branded service stations nationwide.
ORLEN Unipetrol has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with Škoda Auto to develop fast charging infrastructure for electric vehicles (EV) across its service station network.
The cooperation will lead to the expansion of charging infrastructure and joint efforts to meet the goals of the National Clean Mobility Action Plan. A mapping of significant locations across the ORLEN fuel retail network is currently underway as a key part of this initiative.
Both companies aim to roll out chargers with a capacity of 150 kW and above at key locations with the greatest potential for electric vehicle transit. This collaboration also intends to connect public charging stations into a unified system so that they are accessible across networks of charging solution providers.
"We already have an unrivaled 225 charging points in operation at our 55 ORLEN Benzina petrol stations, making us the leader among petrol stations. By the end of the year, we expect to start designing and, in some cases, constructing at least eight sites located in the corridors of the so-called trans-European transport network, i.e. on the most important routes," said Tomasz Wiatrak, CEO of ORLEN Unipetrol Group.
The project will be implemented in two phases. The first stage will identify so-called "white spaces" based on a map of existing charging stations in order to build new hubs with high-speed chargers. In the second integration stage, Škoda Auto will provide advice on connecting charging stations to make them available in charging platforms.
