Volkswagen Group Charging GmbH (Elli) has expanded its public charging network to approximately 900,000 charge points across 28 European countries, marking nearly 80% growth over the past two years. Customers can access the network via the Elli app, Elli Charging Card, or Volkswagen’s Charge&Fuel Card. Of the total, around 80,000 are high-power charging (HPC) stations designed to reduce charging times on long trips.
In conjunction with the infrastructure growth, Elli introduced a new transparent pricing model. Key features include international roaming, Plug&Charge functionality for automatic authentication and billing, and affordable high-power charging rates through the Ionity joint venture. The initiative aims to simplify cross-border travel for electric vehicle drivers and encourage wider adoption of e-mobility.
“Our Elli charging network is seamless and reliable – a key enabler of borderless electric mobility. With every new charging point, we bring e-mobility closer to people’s everyday lives,” says Joschi Jennermann, CEO of the newly established Elli Mobility, a subsidiary of Volkswagen Group Charging (Elli) now responsible for the Group’s charging and fueling services. “Elli’s new tariff model ensures transparent and straightforward pricing, and includes features such as international roaming, Plug&Charge, and affordable high-power charging through Ionity.”
To demonstrate the network’s capabilities, Guinness World Record holder Rainer Zietlow will embark on the ID. Buzz World Tour starting July 1. Over approximately one year, Zietlow plans to travel through more than 75 countries on six continents—Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, and the Americas—seeking a new record for the most countries visited in an electric vehicle. The European segment will include routes through Austria, Italy, France, Turkey, and additional nations.
“In 2020, we kicked off a record-breaking tour through Germany with the ID.3. Since then, Elli’s charging network has tripled in size – which means we can now confidently complete the European stretch of our global electric journey with Elli as our charging partner,” says Zietlow. “The network is extensive, well integrated, and allows for fast charging even in remote regions.”
Source: Volkswagen Group
