REN, the main Portuguese manager of the transport infrastructure of electricity and natural gas is partnering with Italian EV charging infrastructure provider Atlante Energy to develop five high speed charging locations in Portugal using a direct connection tot the grid.

Redes Energéticas Nacionais (REN) has not specified where the projects are to be implemented, but the initiative is set to be a world first with EV fast charging directly from the high voltage network. The – by REN developed – so called Speed-E solution transforms the transmission high voltage to low voltage and can be implemented up to 300 meters from an existing overhead line. It has been designed with a modular architecture to enable projects to be customized to customers’ needs and to be scaled over time with the increasing penetration of EVs.

In addition to the availability of significant power levels for the charging, offering simultaneous supply for multiple fast and/or ultra-fast chargers, it opens the way for the expansion of charging infrastructure to locations where the transmission network is available – an extension of about 9,000 km in Portugal.

“This partnership reflects REN’s ability to develop solutions that address the energy transition, while positively contributing to the decarbonization of society,” says the company’s COO, João Faria Conceição. “Atlante is an obvious partner for Speed-E in Portugal, not only due to its broad experience in the charging sector but also its recognition, from the outset, of the potential of this tool to promote faster and safer charging of electric vehicles, thus mitigating future challenges related to an increased need for power availability,” he added.

Atlante is currently one of the largest EV charging point operators in Portugal. It network also spans across Italy, France and Spain.