Spanish carmaker SEAT, electric utility company Iberdrola and distributor Volkswagen Group España Distribución have signed an agreement to jointly promote the rollout of sustainable e-mobility in Spain.
The companies said they aim to advance the electrification of Spain in a coordinated manner, with alliances among the main agents providing solutions in this area, as well as opportunities to configure an industrial, commercial and innovation ecosystem that will enable the country to maintain a prominent position in the automotive industry and lead the development of sustainable mobility in Europe.
They have identified EV charging infrastructure as a key factor in promoting e-mobility and will therefore work together on cross-sector innovation projects and on the rollout of fast and ultra-fast charging points on the main routes of Spain’s road network.
Volkswagen Group CEO and chairman of the board of directors of SEAT, Dr Herbert Diess, said: “E-mobility is gaining ground. The demand for charging stations and clean electricity is increasing. Now more than ever, it is paramount to establish a comprehensive charging infrastructure throughout Europe. Spain has an important role in this, and the Volkswagen Group wants to contribute to the breakthrough of electric and emission-free driving in the Spanish market.
“Iberdrola is an ideal strategic partner for us, especially with regard to the expansion of fast charging points. Furthermore, Iberdrola is rapidly converting to CO2-free energy production and in Spain they already produce about 90% of electricity from renewable energies. I am confident that with joint efforts Spanish roads will be ‘electrified’ soon.”
The goal of the automotive electrification strategy is to use totally renewable energy in the EV supply chain. To this end, the three companies said they will evaluate energy solutions to reduce CO2 emissions at their plants and at SEAT and Volkswagen Group España Distribución dealers in Spain, with an analysis of proposals in the area of self-consumption, installation of solar panels, supply of green energy and implementation of energy efficiency solutions.
Furthermore, the alliance will see the companies jointly participate in e-mobility pilot projects and R&D initiatives, as well as incorporate SEAT and VW EVs into Iberdrola’s fleets.
The Spanish utility company is currently developing a sustainable mobility plan, to which it will allocate €150m (£136m) to the rollout of 150,000 EV charging points at homes and businesses, as well as on public roads, over the next five years. The commitment for charging points on motorways and major routes will prioritise ultra-fast (350kW), super-fast (150kW) and fast (50kW) charging stations.
