OSLO: Compared with the rapid increase of EVs in Norway, the roll-out of charging stations has been too slow. The effort to increase charging points and develop a robust infrastructure must be intensified to benefit both the local environment and the global climate. In addition, the increasing number EVs on the road in Norway place a higher demand for an excellent charging infrastructure.
Route71 focuses mainly on establishing cost-effective semi-rapid charging points with a power range between 6- 22 kW, which is equivalent to between 25- 100 km charged/hour). The project offers a flexible charging mechanism that allows as many cars as possible to charge with a limited electricity source. This also involves a charging mechanism that considers the prices of power from local utilities.
In the summer of 2014 Bellona, Salto and Sønnico completed phase 1 of the eRoute71 project by completing a charging corridor between Trondheim and Nordkapp in Norway. This experience gave the company valuable experience for further developement of cost-effective charging points. During 2014/15 another 13 charging stations with a total of 59 charging points were established with support from local municipalities, local enterprises and state-funded Transnova. Latest figures from November 2015 indicate that eRoute has constructed 21 charging stations with 74 charging points and now aims to expand its re-charging infrastructure across all of Norway.