TotalEnergies and SSE have signed an agreement to form a joint venture, "Source," aimed at establishing a significant electric vehicle (EV) charging network in the UK and Ireland. The joint venture aims to leverage the strengths of both companies to create a reliable and extensive EV charging network, contributing to the decarbonisation of transport in the UK and Ireland. The initiative plans to install up to 3,000 high power charge points over the next five years, targeting a 20 per cent market share.
Network deployment
The new venture will focus on deploying high power charge points of 150kW and above, grouped in 300 EV hubs located in urban areas. These hubs will be powered by renewable energy sources provided by SSE and TotalEnergies. Several hubs are already under construction, with additional locations in the planning stages.
Supporting decarbonisation goals
In the UK, Source aims to provide the necessary infrastructure to meet the growing demand from EV drivers and fleet operators, supporting the UK government's zero vehicle emissions mandate. Similarly, in Ireland, Source's efforts are expected to contribute to the government’s target of nearly one million electric vehicles on the roads by 2030.
Statements from key figures
Mathieu Soulas, Senior Vice President New Mobilities at TotalEnergies, highlighted the company's commitment to developing electric mobility and expanding their network in Europe: “TotalEnergies is proud to contribute to the development of electric mobility to decarbonize transportation in the UK and Ireland. 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, emphasised SSE’s role in the clean energy transition and the importance of sustainable transport solutions: “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.”
Minister for the Future of Roads, Lilian Greenwood MP, praised the initiative as a significant step towards the UK’s transition to electric vehicles, noting the importance of industry collaboration to boost consumer confidence and increase the number of electric vehicles on the road: "Source is a fantastic initiative with great potential to accelerate the UK’s transition to electric vehicles. This Government has made delivering greener journeys one of its top priorities for transport, and it’s by working together with industry that we’ll be able to boost consumer confidence through widespread, reliable electric vehicle charging - and achieve our shared goal of getting more electric vehicles on the road.”