Barcelona City Council has announced plans for the city’s first public ultra-rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging hub, located at Carrer Germans Desvalls, 2. This significant infrastructure project, set to begin construction in summer 2024, aims to be operational by the end of 2026.
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New Ultra-Rapid Charging Technology
The new hub will feature advanced ultra-rapid charging technology, providing up to 480 kW of power. This allows electric vehicles to gain an impressive 400 kilometres of range in just 15 minutes of charging. The facility will occupy nearly 900 square metres and include 12 charging bays. It will serve both private cars and last-mile delivery vehicles. Officials estimate it can accommodate over 300 vehicles daily.
Mayor Jaume Collboni highlighted the importance of this development. He stated, “It is an important qualitative leap and a paradigm shift. Barcelona maintains and increases its leadership in electric vehicle charging infrastructure.” Mayor Collboni also noted the positive economic impact. He added, “This boost also means improving opportunities for the city’s industry and the metropolitan area, for the automotive plants in the Zona Franca, and for the families who work there and depend on them.”
Strategic Location and User Experience
The strategic location at Carrer Germans Desvalls, 2, near Passeig de la Vall d’Hebron, offers direct access to the Ronda de Dalt. This placement ensures easy access for residents and provides a convenient solution for users entering and exiting the city. The hub adopts a “stop and go” charging model. This design focuses on quick stops for recharging before users continue their journeys.
The new hub will prioritise user experience. It will offer various amenities while vehicles charge. These include rest areas, workspaces, shaded zones, Wi-Fi connectivity, vending points, and adapted toilets. The facility will also incorporate surveillance and information systems. These features ensure a comfortable, secure, and functional charging experience.
Investment and Network Expansion
The project represents an investment of €2,082,000. It forms part of the broader expansion strategy for Endolla Barcelona, the city’s public electric vehicle charging network managed by Barcelona de Serveis Municipals (BSM). Endolla Barcelona currently operates 1,041 charging points across the city. It records an average of 18,000 charges each month.
Accessibility for users is a key design element. Users of the SMOU app can simply scan a QR code with their mobile phone. They then connect the charging hose to their vehicle to begin charging. External users can also access the service by paying directly with a card reader. This dual approach ensures broad usability.
Commitment to Renewable Energy
This new infrastructure aligns with Barcelona’s commitment to sustainable mobility and zero-emission transport. The hub will operate on renewable energy, featuring a photovoltaic canopy and a battery storage system. This system manages the infrastructure’s energy, reducing reliance on the main electricity grid. The project prepares Barcelona for a growing demand for electric vehicle charging. It reinforces the city’s vision for an environmentally friendly future.
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Originally published by Barcelona City Council Press Room. Read original article.
