For the first time in the Netherlands, Shell has reopened a 100% electric location for regular road traffic, focussing on convenience, speed and sustainability.
Shell At the Mobility Hub Hofplein in Rotterdam, travellers can now rent shared electric scooters and cars for short or longer distances. Moreover, the traditional canopy has been replaced by a wooden design with a new look. This roof includes 48 semi-transparent solar panels of each 170 Watts peak capacity. They let daylight get into the station, while generating an estimated 7,000 to 8,000 kWh of solar electricity per year to help the station’s systems running. The fossil fuel tanks of the site, which had been there for decades, were already excavated and replaced by 100% electric chargers last year.
Jeanine Bakx, General Manager Mobility Benelux and France at Shell: “The quality of life in the city centre is very important. Providing multiple forms of sustainable transport is a good part of that. In this way, we ensure fewer emissions from users for local residents and with the new wooden canopy we show that functionality and a beautiful cityscape go hand in hand.”
Fast chargers on strategic locations
Shell’s Michel Wubs is responsible for the execution of metamorphoses of the new Mobility Hub. “Not everyone has an EV charger at home, or parking space for an electric car. That is why we as Shell try to install fast chargers at as many strategic locations as possible. The Mobility Hub Hofplein is such a strategic spot for residents and visitors of Rotterdam’s city centre. Because we offer shared electric cars and shared electric scooters too, the Mobility Hub is a great starting point for those who choose sustainable travel to destinations that are more difficult to reach by public transport.”
For the electric motorist, the Mobility Hub Hofplein offers six fast chargers with two connections each, which means that 12 EV drivers at a time can get back on the road in 20 minutes. Three normal chargers (each with two charging points) have been added, which will also be used by the two electric cars to share. The shared mobility options will be available for rent from the end of November, with the hub at Hofplein expected to be the base for about 25 to 30 shared electrical scooters.
Stay connected
In the autumn of 2022, the historic location of Hofplein became the first Shell station in the Netherlands that no longer offers fossil fuels. However, other Shell stations in the area – Uitweg, Maasboulevard and Blijdorp – still offer conventional fuels.
Shell Mobility Hub Hofplein is now open, and its offer includes snacks, coffee, tea and free Wi-Fi. Jeanine Bakx: “In this way, travellers stay connected and make it easy for them to continue their journey.” The Mobility Hub is located about 500 metres from Rotterdam Central Station. With the metamorphoses of the site, Shell anticipates the planned future revamp of the larger Hofplein innercity area.
