Volkswagen & Enel X Way Launch Ewiva to Build Italy’s Largest High-Power Charging Network

The Volkswagen Group and Enel X Way, the Enel Group’s company dedicated to electric mobility, have announced the launch of their equally-owned joint venture Ewiva, which aims to accelerate the development of high-power charging (HPC) network across the country. The opening of the first Ewiva’s premium recharging station in Rome forms part of the cooperation between the Enel Group and Volkswagen to provide a full e-mobility ecosystem in Italy.

The joint venture expects to have charging points in a total of 500 locations by the end of 2023, with the aim to reach 3,000 charging points, each with up to 350 kW and powered by 100% renewable energy, by 2025. 

Ewiva is already deploying the largest ultra-fast charging network in Italy, with 750 points, some of which currently awaiting activation, in 233 locations, adding to the approximately 17,000 charging points operated by Enel X Way.

Ewiva's first premium recharging station, located in Rome, will offer 14 ultra-fast charging points each with up to 300 kW, all under a solar roof made of PV panels manufactured at the Enel’s 3Sun Gigafactory in Sicily.

Thomas Schmall, Volkswagen Group Board Member for Technology and CEO of Volkswagen Group Components, says: “The expansion of the charging infrastructure plays a key role in the success of e-cars. Enel and Volkswagen, two strong partners from different industries, have now joined forces to tackle this task in a targeted manner, thus advancing e-mobility in Italy.”

“This joint venture represents a new milestone in Enel X Way and Enel Group’s ongoing push to spread electric mobility throughout Italy by accelerating the development of a state-of-the-art high-power charging network, which will help making electric vehicles the first choice for drivers,” adds Elisabetta Ripa, Head of Enel X Way. “In the process, and in line with the strategy adopted by Enel X Way in the development of the public charging infrastructure, we are taking an open approach, making the network available for all Mobility Service Providers and drivers of any electric vehicle from all manufacturers.”

By 2025, Volkswagen aims to provide around 45,000 High Power Charging (HPC) point in Europe, China and the US together with partners.