Ireland set for major e-car stations rollout by 2019

Ireland is set to be included, by 2019, in the rollout of a network of fast-charging stations for electric cars being planned for European motorways by a new joint-venture comprising Volkswagen, BMW, Ford, and Mercedes-Benz owner Daimler.

The four car giants will start building the stations along European roads this year, making progress with the joint project even as allegations of a technology cartel have put a cloud over co-operative efforts.

The Munich-based joint venture, Ionity, will open 20 charging stations this year on major roads in Germany, Austria, and Norway. Through 2018, it will expand the network to over 100 sites to ease concern among drivers of electric cars about ending up stranded on long trips. By 2020, the joint venture is targeting 400 stations across Europe.