Swedish energy group Vattenfall is to transfer ownership of its electric vehicle business in the UK, to Statkraft, Europe’s largest generator of renewable energy.
Vattenfall currently operates an electric vehicle charging network in the UK and this has been acquired by Statkraft, who intends to continue powering the charging points with 100 per cent renewable energy from its own portfolio.
Statkraft, via its 100 per cent owned subsidiary, Gronn Kontakt UK, will take on the current electric vehicle charging network staff in the UK and will manage, operate and maintain the charging stations.
Statkraft has recently strengthened its position in the European charging market, having acquired Norwegian EV charging company Gronn Kontakt in December last year and German EV charging companies E-Wald and eeMobility previously.
David Flood, managing director of Statkraft UK Ltd said: “Statkraft has ambitious growth plans and ambitions to contribute to the transition to a renewable energy powered transport sector in the UK. Long term investment into the UK market is a key part of our strategy. Electric vehicles will change the power industry in Europe, and to achieve an emission free transport sector, renewable energy must be used to charge electric vehicles.”
Tomas Björnsson, head of E-mobility at Vattenfall said: “Vattenfall is taking stock and changing its focus to ensure that the transport offer in the UK is fit for purpose. We will do our utmost to ensure that customers experience limited disruption at this time. Statkraft are a good fit for our current electric vehicle business in the UK. They intend to continue to power the charging points with 100 per cent renewable energy, which fits well with our purpose to enable fossil free living within one generation.
“Vattenfall continues with its international electric vehicle charging growth and aims to make electric driving the new norm in North-western Europe. Exiting the UK market with our electric vehicle charging offer does not impact our continued growth in the markets we are active in, but rather allows for further focus.”
Over the coming months, Vattenfall will work with Statkraft to transfer the assets on a case by case basis to ensure there is no disruption to customers. In addition, Statkraft will look to grow the existing network working with existing and new customers and provide an offering of both rapid and fast chargers for UK drivers.
