A few years back, we were skeptical about electric cars replacing petrol and diesel ones. But now, it seems to be quite settled. Various countries across the globe have announced the plans to discontinue the sale of cars that rely on fossil fuels.
Countries like The Netherlands, Norway, Germany, UK and France have already started working towards it. Due to global warming, the Dutch and European government are investing heavily in electric cars.
The objective of the Dutch government is to have 200,000 cars by 2020 and 1 million electric cars by 2025. On the other hand, the growth of electric cars depends on the availability of charging points.
Fastned raises €10M
In this regard, Fastned, which is building a nationwide network of fast-charging stations in the Netherlands has raised more than €10 million via the issue of bonds of Fastned recently. As per the press release, the proceeds of this issue will be used for further expansion of the fast charging network. The company aims to develop a nationwide network of serious charging stations.
The bonds with a term of 5 years pay 6% interest per year and offer the opportunity to invest in the energy transition.
Springboard for the rest of Europe
Founded by Bart Lubbers and Michiel Langezaal in 2012, Fastned currently has 89 stations operational in the Netherlands and Germany and is expanding the network to the United Kingdom and Belgium. The company’s mission is to provide freedom to the electric driver and thereby accelerate the transition to electric driving.
Expanding to Switzerland
Recently, the company has also won a tender from the Swiss Bundesamt für Strassen (ASTRA) for 20 fast charging stations. For the uninitiated, ASTRA is the federal authority responsible for road infrastructure and private road transport in Switzerland.
Soon after, the company won the second tender led by the North East Joined Transport Committee. As per the tender agreement, Fastned will build and operate five fast-charging stations (Gateshead, Blyth, Whitley Bay, Washington and Kingston Park) for electric vehicles in that region.
100% renewable electricity!
The company uses 100% renewable electricity and is accessible to all-electric vehicles (EVs). Based out of Amsterdam, Fastned fast-charging stations are equipped with several 175 kW fast chargers (which can be upgraded to 350 kW). These powerful fast chargers are capable of charging EVs up to 100 times faster than at home.
80% charge in 20 minutes!
Fastned offers all fast charging standards at all its stations and works with a range of electric vehicles including Tesla Model S/X, Nissan Leaf, BMW i3, and Hyundai Ioniq. All you need to do is to insert the plug into the vehicle, and start charging session with your charging card, Fastned app or fully automatically with Autocharge.
Road Ahead!
At present, there are several fast charging stations under construction, including two in the United Kingdom and a considerable number in the Netherlands and Germany. Fastned stations are established directly along the highway, and increasingly in the city.
Michiel Langezaal, CEO Fastned: “A growing number of people see that the future is electric and therefore want to invest in the sustainable mission of Fastned. The success of this bond issue is proof of that. Thanks to the increasing number of electric cars the demand for fast charging services will continue to grow. With this successful bond round, we can invest in the extra capacity of the network and therewith meet this growing demand for fast charging.”
Stay tuned to Silicon Canals for more updates in the tech startup world.
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