Less than two years after its arrival in Belgium, the Electra charging station network announces that it is the first fast charging network, with 80 stations and 500 charging points (sockets). It represents around 20% of the market share of ultra-fast terminals.
The French network Electra has seen significant growth in Belgium. It specializes in fast charging (direct current) in store or restaurant parking lots, for cars and light utility vehicles. At the end of October, it was already considered number one in the Belgian market by the Gireve office, with 383 charging points, ahead of Allego and Tesla. Now, at the end of November, there are 80 stations with a total of 500 charging points (a station has several charging points). The group has a total of 361 stations in Europe, and is aiming for 400 by the end of the year.
Based on statistics from the European Observatory for Alternative Energies, Electra occupies more than 10% market share (500 charging points out of 4,226), and 20% if we take the segment of terminals from 150 kW to 350 kW, that of ultra-fast terminals.
A French start-up developed in 9 countries
Electra is a French start-up founded in 2021, with a European vocation. It opened its first fast charging station in Belgium at the end of 2023 in Maasmechelen. Since then, his progress has been spectacular. “We are number one in the country and in each region,” explains Mosseray, CEO of Electra in Belgium. The price of Electra fast terminals is 64 cents per kWh.
An investment of 75 million euros
The company’s financial resources and its strategy explain this rapid progress. In May 2023, the company received a Green Loan of 75 million euros, granted by a consortium of 4 banks. And this, in order to finance its development in Belgium and the Grand Duchy. It is now present in 9 European countries. Electra does not prioritize setting up on motorways, which takes time (especially in Wallonia). But instead focuses on fast charging in the car parks of chain stores like Delhaize, restaurants like Quick or Burger King, with whom it has concluded exclusive partnership agreements, on locations well located for motorists. She rents part of the parking lot for a minimum of 20 years. “These commercial activities imply the presence of an electricity network already available, which makes it easier to add a network of fast terminals. We are close to existing networks. » For equipment, buying in quantity made things easier.
Partnerships with businesses and restaurants
Electra’s installations are independent from those of partner businesses. “We invest ourselves in the terminals and transformers. » The investment per station is around 500,000 euros.
This desire to move quickly is due to the development of the Belgian electric car market, which is growing very strongly even when other markets are declining. The benefits of company car taxation are now limited to zero-emission cars, which explains a growth of around 40% in registrations of these vehicles over the first 9 months in Belgium. The fleet currently has 285,000 battery-powered cars. There is therefore a charging market which continues to develop rapidly. Belgium is undoubtedly the densest area of Electra’s European network.
Occupy the best places quickly
For fast charging network operators, the strategy is to occupy the ground as quickly as possible. And not just anywhere: in the best locations. Enough to supply an emerging market that is growing strongly here. It is therefore a question of investing a lot today to make these positions profitable tomorrow.
Electra is targeting a clientele of motorists who do not necessarily have the possibility of recharging at home, for whom it is comfortable to charge during shopping or a meal. And operators such as taxis, which will become electrified, and need well-located rapid terminals. Or even corporate fleets, to whom Electra offers a specific rate. Hence agreements with Taxis Verts and Uber. “Currently, 50% of users have an Electra station less than 10 minutes from home,” announces Louis-Charles Mosseray.
