VW-Enel X Way JV Ewiva to built high-power EV charging network in Italy
With an aim to build a high-power charging (HPC) network of 3,000 charging points across Italy, the Volkswagen Group and Enel X Way have launched their equally-owned joint venture Ewiva recently. The first Ewiva's premium recharging station has been opened in Rome, a step towards full e-mobility ecosystem in the country.
Thomas Schmall, Volkswagen Group Board Member for Technology and CEO of Volkswagen Group Components, said, "The expansion of the charging infrastructure plays a key role in the success of e-cars. Enel and Volkswagen, two strong partners from different industries, have now joined forces to tackle this task in a targeted manner, thus advancing e-mobility in Italy."
"This joint venture represents a new milestone in Enel X Way and Enel Group's ongoing push to spread electric mobility throughout Italy by accelerating the development of a state-of-the-art high-power charging network, which will help making electric vehicles the first choice for drivers," said Elisabetta Ripa, Head of Enel X Way.
"In the process, and in line with the strategy adopted by Enel X Way in the development of the public charging infrastructure, we are taking an open approach, making the network available for all Mobility Service Providers and drivers of any electric vehicle from all manufacturers", Ripa added.
The partners claim that the Ewiva is already deploying the largest ultra-fast charging network in Italy, with 750 points, some of which currently awaiting activation, in 233 locations, adding to the approximately 17,000 charging points operated by Enel X Way.
The joint venture expects to have charging points in a total of 500 locations by the end of 2023, with the aim to reach 3,000 charging points, each with up to 350 kW and powered by 100 percent renewable energy, by 2025, they add.
Overall, Ewiva is said to operate more than 800 sites focused on city centers, suburban areas, and main roads used by commuters and tourists. Drivers of all types of electric vehicles from all manufacturers can benefit from the joint venture's HPC network.
Ewiva's first premium recharging station in Rome offers 14 ultra-fast charging points each with up to 300 kW, all under a solar roof made of PV panels manufactured at the Enel's 3Sun Gigafactory in Sicily.
Enel X Way is the Enel Group's new company fully dedicated to electric mobility. Currently, Enel X Way operates in 16 countries and manages nearly 430,000 charging points, both directly and through roaming agreements in place around the world.
As a global platform for e-mobility, the company is focused on developing flexible charging technologies and solutions to improve the customer experience and to enable the electrification of transport for consumers, businesses, cities and public administrations.
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