The EV Network (EVN), the UK's pioneering EV charging station development company announced its plan to develop ultra-fast charging stations for electric cars across the U.K. at the UK's Zero Emissions Vehicle Summit, which was headlined by Prime Minister Theresa May. Leclanché SA (SIX: LECN), one of the world's leading energy storage solutions providers, has been selected as EVN's partner of choice for this ground-breaking UK based project. 

EVN's charging stations, which follow the existing "petrol station format," will have charging stations country wide, offering car owners ultra-fast charging capabilities. The increased availability of fast charging stations will increase the rate of adoption of EV. Access to charging stations and the speed at which cars can be charged are at the heart of EV Network's model. Over the last 12 months, The EV Network has been securing prime locations across the UK and signing strategic partnerships with leading companies including leading EV charging station operators like ESB and Leclanché S.A. EVN is planning to replicate this model outside the UK from 2019. 

The UK Government's International Trade Secretary Liam Fox MP said: "The UK is already a world leader in electric vehicle technology and the partnership between the EV Network and Leclanché will reinforce the UK's position in this exciting sector. My international economic department works closely with global investors to maintain the UK's position as Europe's premier investment destination and this move is an example of how international partners can come together to deliver for Britain."

Anil Srivastava, CEO of Leclanché, said: "The UK has one of the most advanced EV markets in the world and will continue to lead the way thanks to the policies introduced by the British Government to support the decarbonisation of the UK transport system. Our partnership with the EV Network to deliver battery storage solutions across the UK is a significant step to help accelerate the UK's transition towards cleaner transport."   

"Building on the announcement of this very exciting partnership with EVN, Leclanché is looking forward to making further announcements in due course regarding our expansion in the UK market as we continue to make important progress with UK based strategic partners who are also extremely committed to the electrification of transport."

Reza Shaybani co-founder of The EV Network said: "We are delighted to announce the launch of EVN in the UK. The existing EV charging infrastructure is not ready for the mass uptake of EVs that we are going to witness over the next 10 to 20 years. What we need to do is try to get as close to the petrol station model that consumers have grown so accustomed to and replicate that for EV charging. As well as offering consumers a convenient place to charge their cars, the speed of charging will be the fastest available thanks to our exclusive partnership with key technology leaders including Leclanché, the world leading battery and energy storage company whose best in class transport charging solutions are being adopted across marine, consumer, busses and other forms of public transport worldwide. As part of our future plans we will also be establishing an EV charging Centre of Excellence in the UK sharing our knowledge and expertise in the sector".

EV Network | www.theevnetwork.com

Leclanché | www.leclanche.com