Shell has acquired US-based EV charging specialist Greenlots as it looks to accelerate its electric vehicle infrastructure deployment and management in the US.

Shell said the deal supports the acceleration of electric vehicle infrastructure deployment and management in the US

The deal will see Greenlots become a wholly owned subsidiary of Shell New Energies US LLC, a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell plc, as its technology and team provide a platform for Shell’s continued expansion of electric mobility solutions in North America.

Greenlots will retain its branding and leadership team, and will expand its mobility services to fleets, carmakers, utilities and cities globally.

Brett Hauser, chief executive officer of Greenlots, commented: “As power and mobility converge, there will be a seismic shift in how people and goods are transported. Electrification will enable a more connected, autonomous and personalised experience. Our technology, backed by the resources, scale and reach of Shell, will accelerate this transition to a future mobility ecosystem that is safer, cleaner and more accessible.”

The acquisition builds on Shell’s plans to evolve its fuel stations. Speaking in May 2017 at Imperial College, London, UK, John Abbott, downstream director, Royal Dutch Shell plc, said: “Shell’s concept for a retail station in the not-too-distant future, for example, sees conventional fuels being sold alongside hydrogen and expanded facilities for battery-electric vehicle drivers as they wait for a full charge.”

Shell also announced plans to develop a full raft of EV charging solutions at the end of 2017 when it announced the acquisition of Netherlands-based EV charging specialist NewMotion and it’s currently working with fast charging network operator Ionity to deploy charge points across 10 European countries.

Commenting on the Greenlots acquisition, Mark Gainsborough, executive vice president, new energies for Shell, added: “As our customers’ needs evolve, we will increasingly offer a range of alternative energy sources, supported by digital technologies, to give people choice and the flexibility, wherever they need to go and whatever they drive. This latest investment in meeting the low-carbon energy needs of US drivers today is part of our wider efforts to make a better tomorrow. It is a step towards making EV charging more accessible and more attractive to utilities, businesses and communities.”