La Rete dei Comuni – Barberino di Mugello

In the Network of Ewiva Municipalities we chronicle the territories that have embraced the change to electric mobility, offering residents and e-drivers traveling in Italy ultra-fast, sustainable and reliable charging. Among these realities is the municipality of Barberino di Mugello, an undiscovered gem north of Florence. Not far from the border between Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna, the town is the beating heart of the valley of the same name, an area crossed and dominated by the Sieve River, between the Arno and the Apennines.

 

Barberino di Mugello, between nature and the Middle Ages

Barberino is the core of Mugello, an area dominated by naturalistic spectacles and rich in medieval historical imprints. It includes the hamlets of Cavallina, Galliano, Montecarelli and Latera and is located in the central-western part of the valley. Barberino was an important economic center in the Middle Ages, reaching its peak under Medici rule around 1500. Even today, surrounded by a remarkable landscape biodiversity, one can visit places that bear witness to this important historical legacy.

 

The Station

The Ewiva station in Barberino di Mugello is located at Via del Lago 24, near the exit of the Autostrada del Sole freeway and 500 meters away from the A1 Tollbooth, within a commercial area and about 3 km from Barberino. The facility is always open to the public and is equipped with 4 parallel charging connectors that deliver up to 300w.

 

Don’t miss nearby

 

Bilancino Lake

The artificial lake of Bilancino was initially used as a water reservoir for Florence and was opened to the public in 1999: now it is possible to swim and practice sports such as canoeing, sailing and windsurfing. The reservoir is surrounded by breathtaking scenery, with significant woodlands and pastures, in the middle of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. On the northeastern shore is a treasure trove of biodiversity: the Gabbianello oasis.

 

Pieve di San Giovanni in Petroio

The Pieve di San Giovanni in Petroio stands in the hamlet of Petroio, on a scenic hill south of Lake Bilancino. Documented between the 11th and 12th centuries, the church consists of three naves marked by irregular arches and archaic decorations. A destination for Apennine hikes and bicycle tours around the lake, it creates a breathtaking landscape enriched by distinctive rural buildings.

 

Village of Galliano

Galliano di Mugello is a hamlet of Barberino whose settlements date back to about 600 BC. Rich in historical events that led to various architectural changes, it is a typical Florentine village of ancient origin: it has a plan surrounded by a curtain wall and dominated by a castle. Galliano also has naturalistic treasures, such as the two striking waterfalls “Il Salvi” and “Il Toro della tromba,” which are accessible by special trails.

 

Mugello Circuit

The Mugello Circuit, about 18 km from Barberino, is a well-known international racetrack inaugurated in 1974, known to most for Formula 1 and MotoGP grand prix races. Many motorsports and motorcycling events take place there each year, and there is the opportunity to participate in various motorsports-related experiences.

 

Learn more about the Ewiva high-power station in Barberino di Mugello (FI).

AFIR Directive: what it is and why it is important for the future of electric mobility

Electric mobility represents a significant shift in the transportation sector, and its wider deployment is directly related to the creation of an accessible, widespread and efficient charging infrastructure. To support this transition, starting in April 2024, the European Union introduced the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR). This regulation, an integral part of the Commission’s “Fit for 55” climate package, aims to confirm and expand the objectives already introduced by the 2016 Alternative Fuel Initiative (DAFI) Directive, providing a more effective regulatory framework for the development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

 

Objectives and impact of the AFIR Directive

The main objective of the AFIR Directive is to promote the use of alternative fuels in the transport sector, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. To do so, the new regulation requires member states to commit to very ambitious infrastructure targets.

In particular, AFIR will have an important impact for electric mobility because it provides specific guidelines for member states to follow in building a charging infrastructure that is responsive to market needs. The key requirement is the obligation to match the total capacity of publicly accessible charging stations to the number of registered electric cars.

 

In addition, the regulation prescribes, the obligation to have, by 2025, at least one public charging station every 60 km, and all infrastructure will have to provide at least one charging point capable of delivering 150 kW or more power. This means that in the coming years the charging network will be increasingly extensive, widespread and powerful.

 

AFIR also contemplates the creation of accessible and interoperable charging points throughout the EU, through the adoption of common standards for connectors and charging services provided by Mobility Service Providers (MSPs). A common approach given by a homogeneous standard is the key to face with confidence the future challenges of this sector and to contribute, also in Italy, to the realization of a charging infrastructure that is even more state-of-the-art and able to meet users’ needs.

 

AFIR represents a great opportunity and challenge for industry players like Ewiva, but it is above all a guarantee for the e-drivers of today and tomorrow because it ensures access to a reliable and affordable charging network. Thanks to this legislation, it will be increasingly easy to choose zero-emission mobility, which is the main tool for addressing climate change and improving the air quality of our cities.

La Rete dei Comuni: Porto Cesareo (LE)

Already so many public administrations have chosen to embrace the path of change by becoming Ewiva partners. With the “Network of Municipalities” we tell the territories that host our infrastructures by providing local e-drivers and tourists with an ultra-fast and reliable charging network. Today we are heading to Porto Cesareo (LE), a locality in Salento very famous for its beaches that are coveted destinations for many Italian and foreign tourists every summer.

 

 

Porto Cesareo (LE): not only sea

Perhaps not everyone knows that the crystal-clear waters of the marine protected area of Porto Cesareo, in the province of Lecce, inspired the Mogol-Battisti duo in the creation of “Acqua azzurra, acqua chiara,” one of the most famous songs of Italian discography.

Even today, Porto Cesareo is one of the most renowned resorts on the Salento Ionian Coast not only for its numerous beaches with fine white sand, clear sea with enchanting seabed or various restaurants where you can try the local cuisine, but also for several other activities suitable for any kind of tourism.

The more adventurous can snorkel or dive to discover caves or wrecks, sportsmen can try their hand at sailing or kitesurfing, nature lovers can explore the coast on foot or by sea, while history and art enthusiasts can visit the famous Towers and the old town.

 

 

Ewiva Station in Porto Cesareo

In the territory of Porto Cesareo (LE) you can find Ewiva’s high power at Via Mozart 49, just a few steps from the coast. A station with 4 charging points of 150 kW each to refuel before your next adventure.

 

 

Don’t miss nearby

 

Beaches
A real feather in the cap of this area: 17 km of coastline for sea lovers who can choose from striking Caribbean scenery, rocky areas of coastline, wild beaches and lidos with equipped establishments.

 

The waterfront
A stroll along Porto Cesareo’s famous waterfront will lead you to discover ports, beaches and must-see clubs for a truly authentic experience. During a romantic sunset, with the morning breeze or under the stars on summer evenings, the waterfront is the perfect place for any time of day.

 

The Towers
In addition to the sea and nature, art and history lovers can visit the 16th-century Coastal Towers of Porto Cesareo: Torre Lapillo, Torre Chianca, Torre Cesarea and Torre Castiglione. Imposing and majestic, the watchtowers were meant to defend the town from Saracen raids that marked the history of Salento for centuries.

 

The historic center
The old town of Porto Cesareo, with its narrow streets and historic small white Salento houses, is a must-see. Walking through the old town, in addition to all kinds of stores and typical restaurants, you can find churches, monuments, history and art, which will allow you to discover the essence of this place.

 

 

Learn more about the Ewiva high power station in Porto Cesareo (LE) >

La Rete dei Comuni: Arcola (SP)

We continue our journey to discover the Ewiva Network of Municipalities, local governments that have chosen our ultra-fast network for their territories assuring e-drivers and tourists in the area of fast and reliable charging. Among our public partners is Arcola, an ancient village a few kilometers from La Spezia, nestled in the beautiful landscape of eastern Liguria.

 

Arcola, between the coast and the Magra valley

Arcola is one of the jewels of the Val di Magra area, in the easternmost part of Liguria, near the border with Tuscany. The area is crossed by the Magra River, which flows for about 70 km offering wonderful naturalistic landscapes, together with the many villages and towns that rise along its course. Surrounded by wooded hills, Arcola has been the scene of various historical vicissitudes: it has gone from being a strategic military station, due to its position at the time difficult to reach, to a picturesque hamlet that grows in height, with alleys that get narrower and narrower from dense vines to the castle.

 

The station

The Ewiva station in Arcola is located at 1 Via della Repubblica, just minutes from the train station, Aurelia – State Road 1 – and 800 meters from Arcola Castle. The facility is always open to the public and is equipped with 4 charging points that deliver up to 150 kW. In addition to being surrounded by stores, bars, and services, it is not far from several places of interest.

 

 

DISCOVER OTHER EWIVA STATIONS IN LIGURIA

 

 

 

Don’t miss nearby

 

Village of Arcola

The village of Arcola is characterized by its medieval structure of concentric rings, enriched by paved alleys and stone or colored houses. The center of the village is dominated by the castle, destroyed and then rebuilt in the 13th century, along with the pentagonal-shaped Obertenghi tower, about 25 meters high, built in the 10th century. Between historic buildings you can find taverns and restaurants where you can discover Arcolan culinary traditions.

 

Lipu Oasis

One of the treasures of the Magra valley is the Lipu Oasis in Arcola. It was the first artificial garzaia designed in Italy, that is, a place suitable for the nesting and reproduction of herons, egrets and night herons, species that frequent and inhabit the area. The Oasis, the result of a renaturation process, can be visited freely through special paths, rich in special blooms and culminating in an alluvial forest, unique for its biodiversity.

 

Sarzanello Fortress

Sarzanello Fortress, built around 963 B.C. on the hill of the same name for a project of Emperor Otto I of Saxony, is still well preserved after reconstruction in 1502, partly because of its lack of involvement in major war events. Also known by the name of Castruccio, the military fortification also has evocative underground passages that can be visited today.

 

 

Village of Lerici

In the vicinity of Arcola, along the Gulf of La Spezia, there is a stretch of Tyrrhenian coastline rich in places of great interest; one of these is the village of Lerici, a typical Ligurian town that is colorful, charming and full of activities capable of attracting tourists from all over Italy. Perched on a promontory and dominated by a castle long a subject of contention between the maritime republics of Genoa and Pisa, the Borgo di Lerici was once an important trading port; today it is a seaside resort full of charming 18th-century seaside villas and crystal-clear beaches.

 

Learn more about the Ewiva high-power station in Arcola (SP).

San Giusto Canavese municipality and Ewiva announce activation of an HPC charging site

Ewiva, the joint venture of Enel X and the Volkswagen Group, and the Municipality of San Giusto Canavese announce important news for all e-drivers in the Piedmont area: Ewiva’s HPC (High Power Charging) charging site for electric vehicles in Via Fenoglio 3 is officially active.

 

Consisting of 3 Charging Infrastructures – also known as columns – of 300kW each, for a total of 6 charging points (PoC), the site is located near the San Giorgio Canavese exit of the A5 Turin-Aosta freeway, close to a parking area and a refreshment point, ideal not only for e-drivers in the area moving along provincial roads, but also for the many tourists passing through.

 

With this activation, the number of Ewiva sites already active in Piedmont rises to 35, including 15 in the province of Turin alone, confirming the joint venture’s commitment to the widespread and increasingly accessible development of e-mobility in Italy.

 

“The activation of this charging station reflects the joint desire of Ewiva and the municipality to move towards increasingly sustainable mobility,” commented Ewiva. “We thank the municipal administration of San Giusto Canavese because thanks to this collaboration we are now able to support in an increasingly concrete and effective way the needs of those who choose to move with electric vehicles throughout the territory. In Piedmont we are present with more than 30 active sites, for a total of 123 high-power charging points. Important numbers that push us to continue our mission: to liberate the desire to move by electric throughout Italy.”

 

“The realization of this charging site is not only a step toward more sustainable mobility, but it also represents a clear signal of our commitment to promoting innovation and the adoption of eco-sustainable technologies in our territory,” said Giosi Boggio, Mayor of San Giusto Canavese. “In fact, it not only facilitates the movement of our citizens and can be a draw for visitors to our beautiful territory, but it also testifies to our concrete commitment to providing modern and environmentally friendly solutions to the mobility needs of the community. We will continue to work vigorously to implement further initiatives to encourage the transition to increasingly green mobility and to make San Giusto Canavese an increasingly environmentally friendly and livable place for everyone.”

 

Ewiva’s high-power charging network will come to Altopascio (LU)

The new charging site will be installed in the parking lot on Europa Avenue and will be equipped with 3 columns of 300kW each. Ewiva and the municipality confirm their commitment to the many e-drivers in the area.

 

Ewiva’s HPC (High Power Charging) for electric vehicles will arrive in Altopascio: a step toward increasingly sustainable mobility and reduced air pollution for the entire territory. In fact, the Municipal Administration and Ewiva, the joint venture of Enel X and Volkswagen Group, have signed the Memorandum of Understanding that provides for the installation of an HPC charging site in the municipal area. As the CPO – Charging Point Operator – owner of the charging infrastructure, Ewiva will be responsible for the installation, operation and maintenance of the new columns in Altopascio.

 

The site will consist of 3 Charging Infrastructures, or columns, of 300kW each, for a total of 6 charging points (PoC), and will be located in the public parking lot on Viale Europa, adjacent to Porta San Jacopo. This is a strategic location, ideal for the many e-drivers in the area and for all those who want to visit the beautiful Tuscan village. The site, in fact, will be about 1 km away from the Altopascio exit of the A11 “Firenze-Mare” highway.

 

“Air pollution caused by emissions from internal combustion vehicles is a major concern in European cities, and we, too, want to increasingly promote and facilitate sustainable mobility,” explain the mayor, Sara D’Ambrosio, and Francesco Mastromei, councillor for public works for the municipality of Altopascio. The construction of a recharging infrastructure network is fundamental for the development of electric mobility, and represents a significant step to make the territory and the air we breathe cleaner and healthier for our citizens: in our case, the columns are located in a central area, easily accessible, close to the highway, and therefore conveniently accessible.”

 

“We are very enthusiastic to undertake this new project together with the municipal administration, which has proven to be attentive to the needs of its citizens and has been able to recognize the importance of the transition to electric mobility for our country,” Ewiva commented. “The charging site that we are going to build and manage in Altopascio represents another important milestone for us at the regional level and a confirmation of our presence in Tuscany, where to date we already count 13 active HPC sites, for a total of 43 high-power charging points, and where we plan to build another 7 charging stations.