This is what the “world’s best” electric vehicle charging hub looks like

The best electric vehicle charging hub in the world is to be found in Norway, according to the results of an international competition that were announced over the weekend. And, given that EVs represent 90 per cent of new car sales in the country, that makes sense.

The winning hub was named as the Able EV charging hub located in Mandal, located on the southern tip of Norway, which is located on the new E-39 highway and offers 16 high power charge points of up to 200kW, four charge points fitted with both CCS and CHAdeMO plugs, and a separate area for high-speed charging for electric trucks.

The hub is  built and operated by Certas with Recharge acting as the charge point operator. Biofuels are also offered at both the HGV and passenger car forecourts, while inside includes a McDonald’s, McCafé and restroom area, spacious seating, and outdoor recreational areas for families.

“The DCC and Certas teams are thrilled about Able Mandal being named ‘Best EV Hub In The World’, in sharp competition from so many great mobility formats around the world,” said Lars Østbye, Managing Director of Certas Energy Norway AS.

“A big congratulations to our partners as well, including Recharge, McDonald’s Norge, Deli de Luca Norge, and Esso Norge.

It should be noted that the competition was sponsored as part of a Global Convenience Store Focus, so food outlets was obviously given a high priority. The initiative was backed by Visa and Coca-Cola.

Voters were retail executives in the global convenience, fuels, and mobility retail industry, and found 24 EV charging hubs across three categories – Urban, Highway, and Fleet – and narrowed it down to a top 10 with entrants from Europe, China, and the UK.

The second prize went to Circle K, Gothenburg, and third prize to Seed & Greet in Hilden, Germany;