A new charging network billed as the largest in Europe has launched under a landmark industry collaboration.

The Spark Alliance delivers over 1,700 stations across 25 European countries, with more than 11,000 charging points

The Spark Alliance network teams up the Atlante, Electra, Fastned and Ionity networks to deliver over 1,700 stations across 25 European countries including the UK, with more than 11,000 charging points, all accessible in one app.

The aim of the Spark Alliance is to create one seamless charging network, simplifying the experience and making EV ownership easier than ever.

EV drivers will soon be able to seamlessly access, charge and pay at any of the 1,700-plus Spark Alliance member stations, with simple and transparent prices – regardless of their EV’s brand or model.

Drivers can go to any member’s charging station and use any of the other members’ apps to start and pay for their charging session. This applies seamlessly across all four companies.

Spark Alliance members will also display charging stations from fellow members in their app’s route planners.

The stakeholders say the “groundbreaking collaboration paves the way for the democratisation of EV charging in public, setting the standards for mass adoption of EVs in Europe”.

Michiel Langezaal, co-founder and CEO of Fastned, commented: “Electric drivers often find themselves in a maze: too many apps, charge cards and low-quality charging stations creating confusion and anxiety. We’re solving this by bringing together Europe’s premier charging companies to create the smoothest charging experience across Europe’s largest network.”

Jeroen van Tilburg, CEO of Ionity, added: “Driving and charging an electric vehicle should be exciting – not overwhelming. Our collaboration, powered by Europe’s leading dedicated charging operators, marks a major step forward and sends a strong signal for e-mobility in Europe: reliable fast charging, simplified across 25 countries – all within the app drivers already trust. United by a shared mission, we’re paving the way for a new era of clean, seamless travel across Europe.”