Frequently asked questions about fast-charging stations
Fast-charging can only be done at specially designed fast-charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs). With average capacities ranging from 50 kW to over 400 kW, fast-chargers offer considerably higher charging speeds than standard charging stations. A welcome sight when you’re covering long distances and good for shortening queues at the charging station, for sure.
From 2024 onwards, Storm and Q8 are building the very first Belgian network of full-service fast-charging stations – up to as many as 200 new locations. At most of them, you’ll also be able to shop for groceries and grab a coffee or a bite to eat. By combining our expertise in renewable energy, mobility and shopping, we can create a unique customer experience for all electric drivers. Q8 will operate the fast-charging stations under the Q8 electric brand through long-term leasehold agreements with Storm, who will oversee development and construction. The plans account for an expected investment amount of up to €250 million.
Our fast-charging stations will be built at highly visible and easily accessible prime locations throughout Belgium, near major traffic axes and urban centres. That way, we can tend to e-drivers looking to travel longer distances and to everyone who doesn’t have access to at-home charging options because they don’t have a garage or driveway. A location overview is available on our website.
We expect to open our first locations in the summer of 2024.
The generous size of the individual charging spaces allows us to accommodate electric passenger cars as well as light trucks and vans. All charging spaces are suitable for people with disabilities. At the charging stations with shops and restaurants, we also provide charging facilities for electric bicycles. Heavy-duty transport – electric trucks or buses – cannot be accommodated at our stations. This is because, generally speaking, charging heavy-duty transport at the same location as passenger vehicles may pose certain safety risks. In the future, we might introduce a similar concept specifically for heavy-duty transport, which is already well-established in some Scandinavian countries.
Each fast-charging station will host at least 6 to 16 charging points, each with an ultra-fast charging capacity of up to 400 kW.
Allow for about 15 to 20 minutes for a state-of-charge of 80% for an average car with a 50 kWh battery.
With normal use, fast-charging is not harmful to the battery life of modern EVs. Just keep in mind that consistently charging your car with fast-chargers over a long stretch of time can potentially shorten the battery life slightly, compared to regular charging.
Our fast-charging stations accept all current charge cards. You can also pay via the Q8 electric app or by debit or credit card.
We offer more than just charging options for EVs. Half of the 200 fast-charging stations will feature their own shop, serving sandwiches and premium coffee. A quarter of them will have a quick-service restaurant. That way, customers can easily do their shopping and grab a coffee or something to eat. Safety is also an absolute priority for us. Each charging station is constantly monitored and will be equipped with camera surveillance to ensure the most comfortable overall experience.
In order to provide the most wide-ranging offer possible, we are working with the partners Q8 has been collaborating with for years at their petrol stations: Delhaize Shop&Go, Panos and Starbucks. Our quick-service restaurants will also be operated by reputable brands. For the first projects, we are partnering with McDonald's. The offer varies by location: half of the quick-charging stations will feature a shop and a place to eat. Why not all of them, you ask? As with petrol stations, some locations are simply better suited to be just a charging station while others are perfect for adding a place to eat or a shop. All stations will be built sustainably using natural materials such as wood and permeable paving, planted areas, a green roof and solar panels.
It’s not in the plans for now but it is an option for the future.
We do not expect nor predict any energy shortages. There will be a need for adjustments to the electricity grids, however. The grid operators that are involved are currently working hard on this. We haven’t faced any grid connection issues while developing new stations on central locations.
In Storm and Q8 fast-charging stations, all power provided is 100% renewable. That’s a guarantee. The most affordable sustainable electricity around today comes from wind turbines and solar panels. That’s why we are committed to keep building the necessary infrastructure as much and as fast as possible at the lowest possible social cost – including on- and offshore wind turbines, solar and battery parks.
Our current plans include the expansion of our network across all of Belgium, not just Flanders. Some 40 projects are currently in a very advanced design phase, with placements all throughout the country. Belgium is the main focus in the early stages, but our ambition is to roll out the concept in other countries as well.
