As mobility demands continue to evolve and more drivers make the switch to electric vehicles, Shell’s aim is to help customers during this transition – providing innovative charging solutions they can access at home, at work or on the go.

Creating a convenient and accessible EV charging experience

Our annual Shell Recharge survey of EV drivers in Europe revealed that nearly half (49%) of drivers choose where to shop and travel based on the availability of charge points, while 57% are likely to visit destinations more frequently if charge points were available on-site. To support these drivers, we work with strategic partners, such as retailers, car park owners and hotels, to provide EV destination charging at convenient locations and help customers get the most out of their charging time (and their visit).

Our research also shows that 44% of EV drivers surveyed in Europe in 2023 do not have a charge point installed at home (an 11% increase from 2022). As EV adoption accelerates, the number of drivers who charge outside the home is likely to continue to increase – especially in highly dense urban cities, where access to off street parking is limited.

One way in which we support these drivers – and help expand charging availability – is with our on-street charging operator, ubitricity. We offer a network of over 10,000 lamp post charge points to drivers without private parking in a growing number of cities across the UK, France, Germany and the Netherlands.

In addition to easily charging their EV when needed, we know that EV drivers are looking to use their time in a positive way while they are charging at our locations. We’re looking to create more rewarding customer experiences at our forecourts and mobility hubs, so they become places where customers can recharge their vehicles and themselves.

Simplifying – and electrifying – fleet ownership

The movement of goods and people for business purposes accounts for about a third of all journeys. By providing integrated charging infrastructure and services – like power provision at depots and on-the-go payment services via the Shell Card – we support commercial and fleet partners to decarbonise and electrify their fleets. We also help customers decarbonise through smart and sustainable fleet management programmes, such as “Accelerate to Zero”.

This program helps fleet and mobility managers to understand their current carbon footprint, evaluate their options for decarbonising and access a roadmap for reducing their on-road emissions to net-zero.

EV adoption has reached an exciting tipping point; but if we want to continue to accelerate at pace, then we must work together effectively and remove barriers to adoption.

For drivers, this means continuing to provide innovative and reliable EV charging solutions and education that make the EV charging experience a positive one.

For businesses, there is an abundance of untapped opportunities to get involved in the EV ecosystem and forge mutually beneficial collaborations.

Whether you are driving your first EV or are a business supporting the switch to electric, one thing is clear: the road to an electric future is best travelled together.