Autostrade per l'Italia (Aspi) and the Renault group join forces for promote increasingly green mobility. Through mobilize, the Renault group brand dedicated to sustainable mobility, and the Aspi subsidiary, Free To X, a new deal was announced today strategic partnership to accelerate the development of the fast charging network in Italy.
The agreement provides for the cession by Aspi of a share of Free To X to MobilizeThe aim is to further develop the e-mobility business outside the motorway network.
A strategic partnership for electric mobility
The operation, the result of an “extensive competitive process”, consolidates Free To X’s position as a leader in high-power (HPC) charging infrastructure. Mobilize to help expand business beyond highways, while Aspi will maintain operational control (as a Charging Point Operator) of the stations located along the motorway network, ensuring continuity of service and compliance with quality standards.
“The interest of a leading player such as the Renault group confirms the effectiveness of the strategic vision of the Aspi group, highlighting the Free To X value, which in a very short time became a leading operator in the sector", declared Aspi.
“This collaboration represents a crucial step in our mission to support the transition towards sustainable mobility. With Free To X, we aim to simplify the lives of electric vehicle users, significantly improving the Italian charging network” commented Gianluca De Ficchy, CEO of Mobilize.
The George Moroni, CEO of Free To X, expressed enthusiasm: “We are excited to join forces with Mobilize to strengthen low-emission mobility both along motorways and in cities”.
Free To X: A Growing Network
Founded in 2021, Free To X has already achieved a network of 110 high-power charging stations distributed along the Italian motorways, with an average distance of about 50 kilometres between one station and another. The stations, which offer up to 400 kW of power, are accessible to all mobility service providers and have already exceeded European targets.
Thanks to the agreement with Mobilize, the goal is now extend coverage in urban and peripheral areas, responding to the growing demand for electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Charging stations in Italy
The agreement comes at a time of strong growth for charging infrastructure in Italy. As of June 30, 2024, the public charging points reached 56.992 units, a significant increase compared to 30.704 in 2022. Of these, 963 are located along the highways, with a high percentage of rapid and ultra-rapid stations.
Italy, however, is still behind to other European countries such as the Netherlands, Germany and France, where the number of charging points exceeds 140, 100, and 110 thousand units respectively. With the support of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) and initiatives such as the one between Mobilize and Free To X, the gap, hopefully, can be quickly reduced.
The final agreement between the two parties is subject to obtaining the necessary authorizations.
