Greece’s IPTO enters EV charging market with GRID Charge

Greece’s Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO) has announced it entry into the electric vehicle (EV) charging market with GRID Charge, the new business unit of subsidiary company, GRID Telecom.

Entrance into the EV charging market illustrates the Greek TSO’s aim to accelerate the uptake of electric mobility in the country. One of GRID Charge’s primary areas of focus will be the ultra-fast charging sector.

The company plans to install new EV fast chargers, including Superchargers DC and Ultra-rapid DC chargers, at specific locations across Greece.

“With the creation of Grid Charge, IPTO Group continues to expand its business activities and enters the fast-growing electric vehicle charging sector, actively contributing to the energy transition through the development of electric mobility in our country, as well,” states IPTO chairman and CEO Manos Manousakis.

“IPTO’s transformation into a Group of Companies that generates value from all of its infrastructures and makes full use of their know-how and financial capabilities, is a top strategic priority for the Operator.”

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The newly installed fast chargers will reach up to 360kW, facilitating service for both light and heavy-duty vehicles, particularly on the national highway network and at city entry-exit junctions.

Simultaneously, GRID Charge will establish a conventional alternating current charging network for fast AC chargers. These will cater to urban areas such as shopping centres, parking lots, gas stations and other relevant locations, as well as remote sites with less traffic.

GRID Telecom, as the beneficiary and coordinator of the EXPAND-E Cohesion action of the European financing mechanism Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), has secured European funding totalling €6 million ($6.4 million).

Additionally, GRID Telecom has secured European funding of €6 million ($6.4 million) as the beneficiary and coordinator of the EXPAND-E Cohesion action of the European financing mechanism, Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).

The funding will go towards the development of the largest network of fast chargers on a pan-European level, with more than 2,100 charging stations, in collaboration with major European charging point operators (CPOs).

Commented IPTO’s general director of business development and digital transformation Konstantinos Agathakis: “Grid Charge creates a strong comparative advantage for the IPTO Group and lays the foundations for our strong presence in the electric mobility market.

“Grid Charge is ready to bring to Greece a reliable electric vehicle charging network and introduce innovative technologies to the market, for the benefit of consumers and the environment.”