Bridgestone has outlined a strategy to install 3,500 electric vehicle (EV) charging points across its European retail and service network.
The five-year project will be delivered by charging solutions business EVBox and its technical solutions partner TSG.
It will begin in France and Italy before expanding into the UK, Germany, Poland, Spain and other European countries.
The new charging network will consist of both normal and fast charging stations installed in strategic locations and will be accessible to all EV drivers.
Christophe de Valroger, Bridgestone EMIA’s VP retail pperations, said: “Bridgestone is committed to helping drive the electric future into reality, partnering with leading EV manufacturers to develop premium tyres and sustainable technologies that meet the specific requirements of EVs.
“Also key to those efforts is building a truly EV-ready retail and service network. Through this partnership we will be supporting the much-needed expansion of Europe’s charging infrastructure, and providing EV drivers and fleet operators with the convenience and efficiency they demand. EVBox has been leading the creation of the EV charging industry since 2010; it’s definitely the right partner for us.”
Bridgestone’s annual research on EV take-up across Europe found that, for the respondents who are not considering acquiring an EV, 50% cited insufficient charging infrastructure as the reason why.
Through the EVBox partnership, Bridgestone’s retail network will also be offering EV drivers the opportunity to buy and install at-home EV chargers.