This is a new type of service area that will soon appear in Europe: two recreation areas dedicated entirely to electric vehicles will see the light of day on the E17 motorway, in Gentbrugge near the city of Ghent, in Belgium. Indeed, Fastned has just won a tender organized by the AWV (Agentschap voor Wegen en Verkeer), the Flemish road authority.

This is how the Dutch company specializing in fast charging will develop and work two new fast charging stationsoffering 12 charging points eachand located on both sides of the Belgian E17 motorway.

Rest areas for electric cars

These two areas of Gentbrugge will be the first representatives of what Fastned calls “future freeway service areas”. Only electric vehicles and hybrids connected to the network will be able to refuel therebut you will still find more traditional services such as toilets, snacks and coffee.

“This recently won tender shows the confidence of the Flemish road authorities in our fast charging concept and pays tribute to the experience we have gained over the last decade in the European market. We are proud to be able to provide coffee and service to our customers at these sites.”Tuur de Koninck, Fastned’s regional manager in Belgium, said on the occasion.

These two new stations will have the capacity charge up to a thousand electric cars per daywith charging capacity that will allow each vehicle to restore up to 300 km of autonomy in just 15 minutes.

Rest areas for electric vehicles: construction will begin in 2024

Since its launch in 2012, Fastned has made a significant contribution to accelerating the transition to electric mobility on a European scale. The two new charging stations in Gentbrugge will be equipped with charging devices from a with a capacity of 400 kWbased onrenewable energy only from sun and wind.

This type of charging station is suitable for all types of electric vehicles, as well as larger models such as trailers and trucks. As with other Fastned stations, there will be yellow hinged roofs covered with photovoltaic panels. They will protect drivers from rain and make charging safer and easier.

In Belgium, Fastned currently has at least 19 active fast charging stations in its network, as well as 24 new stations under construction. As for Gentbrugge stations, their construction should start during2024 year.