Category: Events

Summer is here, and with rising temperatures and summer road trips just around the corner, it is essential to be prepared to enjoy your electric adventures to the fullest.

 

Electric cars, like traditional cars, can also be affected by high temperatures: extreme heat can affect battery life and charging speed. If in traditional cars, coolant and radiator fluids come into play to prevent excessive engine overheating, in electric cars there are special temperature regulation systems that preserve the condition of lithium-ion batteries.

 

These are critical components especially when the car is running or charging, because outside temperatures contribute to raising the already high temperatures of the battery pack in action. Hot weather, especially when outside temperatures exceed 35 degrees, affects the performance and overall health of the battery, so it is important to put some useful tricks into practice.

 

Here are some tips for traveling and charging your electric car smoothly in the summer.

 

CONSULT THE MAP AND PLAN YOUR TRIP WITH EWIVA

 

Take a break

In summer, especially during long trips, it is essential to take breaks. While your car is charging at the station, take advantage of a refreshing break. Ewiva stations are always located in strategic locations where e-drivers can find bars, restaurants, stores and services within walking distance. A great opportunity to refuel and experience charging time to the fullest.

 

While charging, use the pre-cooling feature

Although newer electric cars are equipped with advanced and more efficient cooling systems, it is good to maintain healthy habits to best preserve them. While charging, activate the cabin’s pre-cooling function: the air conditioner will use the energy delivered by the grid, preserving that of the battery, which you can instead make full use of during the journey.

 

Adopt a balanced driving style

In addition to using air conditioning and the right tricks to maximize energy efficiency, there are other best practices that can positively influence the electric travel experience in the warmer months. In particular, adopting a balanced driving style, thus moderating speed and avoiding abrupt maneuvers, preserves battery health, as well as enhancing the safety of those on board and increasing the efficiency of the car.

 

Charging at the least hot times of the day

High outdoor temperatures are the most difficult element of disruption to deal with during the summer: electric car batteries, and especially charging stations, can experience a drop in performance the moment temperatures exceed 35 degrees. Charging during the cooler times of summer days is a very effective way to achieve more efficient charging. So, if possible, charge your car early in the morning or in the evening, thus avoiding the hottest times of the day

 

Sources:

– https://insideevs.it/features/676233/auto-elettrica-consigli-caldo-estate/
– https://insideevs.it/features/723981/ricarica-auto-elettrica-caldo-estate/
– https://www.electromaps.com/it/blog/limpatto-del-calore-sulle-batterie-delle-auto-elettriche#:~:text=Batteria%20e%20surriscaldamento,elevate%20e%20i%20viaggi%20pi%C3%B9%20lunghi.

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).

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.

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) >

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.”

 

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.

The activities of the joint venture of Enel X Way and Volkswagen Group continue, with 13 new stations installed and a total of 50 charging points located in 7 different Italian regions in the last quarter of 2023, further expanding its high-power charging network.

 

Another 50 new ultra-fast charging points (PoCs) at 13 stations. These are the numbers achieved in the last quarter of 2023 by Ewiva, born from the collaboration between Enel X Way and Volkswagen Group to build the largest public high-power charging network in Italy.

 

With this achievement, the CPO – Charging Point Operator – confirms its leading role in enabling the transition to electric mobility in Italy by focusing on the capillarity of the charging infrastructure. Thanks to this new step, in fact, Ewiva has further enriched its High Power Charging (HPC) network, expanding between October and December 2023 the number of its ultra-fast electric charging stations in 7 different Italian regions, from North to South.

 

Six new high-power charging stations have been activated in Lombardy, for a total of 25 new charging points: the 2 columns activated in Castrezzato (BS) are 300kW, as are the 2 in Ospedaletto Lodigiano (LO) and the 3 in Caponago (MB), while the 2 infrastructures in Rovato (BS) and the 3 in Gadesco-Pieve Delmona (CR) are 150kW; finally, in Bergamo, a “Standalone” station with a 100kW charging point has been activated.

 

In Liguria, Ewiva has activated in Imperia a new ultra-fast charging station equipped with 2 columns, for a total of 4 charging points, 2 of 150kW and 2 of 300kW; in Emilia Romagna a new 100kW “Standalone” column has been installed in Reggio Emilia, while in Veneto, in Campo San Martino (PD), the new charging infrastructures activated are 2 and their power is 150kW each.

 

New activations also in central Italy: in Lazio, in Colleferro (RM), in the parking lot of the Coop shopping area, two 300kW columns each have been activated and inaugurated, while in Orte (VT) e-drivers can count on 2 new 150 kW infrastructures. Both locations are located in carefully selected strategic areas, with multiple services available nearby, and are easily accessible to e-drivers. Also in central Italy, in Abruzzo, Ewiva has activated two new 150 kW columns in Sulmona (AQ).

 

Finally, Sicily saw the activation of two new 300 kW charging infrastructures placed along the Syracuse-Catania highway, in the Serramendola Est service area.

 

Distributed throughout the peninsula and the islands, the latest Ewiva recharging stations activated are also all strategically located near businesses, services or points of interest, further confirming the company’s commitment to ensuring an increasingly simple and comfortable recharging experience for electric travelers. With the same goal in mind, the new stations in Colleferro (RM), Castrezzato (BS), Ospedaletto Lodigiano (LO) and Serramendola Est (SR) have also introduced the new service that allows users to pay for recharging directly at the station with debit, credit or prepaid cards.

Businesses, research centers, and organizations: here are 100 virtuous stories of Italian players committed to developing electric mobility. Ewiva is one of these.

Fondazione Symbola, Enel Group, and Enel X Way presented today in Rome the report “100 Italian e-mobility stories 2023: energies and talents playing a leading role in the new era of mobility”. This is the fourth edition of a seminal information gathering and storytelling work, focusing on all players who are concretely helping out in developing electric mobility in Italy. Stories of innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, talent, and expertise, allow Italy to play a significant role in the e-mobility revolution.

E-mobility: a dynamic industry and a constantly growing market

The report’s showcase event was first and foremost the chance to share data and trends proving how the new mobility era – more sustainable and efficient – isn’t simply the future, but already a reality.
Globally, there are currently almost 20 million passenger electric vehicles circulating, along with 1.3 million electric commercial vehicles, and over 280 million electric scooters, bikes, and mopeds. Recent estimates call for EVs to surpass a 50% market share by 2030 (source: Bloomberg BNEF), driven by BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) technology.
Currently, the main markets are represented by China and the European Union, with the latter recording a 65.7% rise in registrations of EVs or low-emission vehicles (ECV) compared to 2020. Staying within the bounds of the European markets, Germany takes first place on the podium with 682 thousand registrations, followed by Great Britain (306 thousand) and France (303 thousand).
According to data from GreenItaly 2022, Italy wrapped up 2021 with a 199% rise in the sales of electrified vehicles (hybrids or fully electric) compared to the previous year, reaching 38.4% of total sales, thus proving to be a dynamic and growing market in a country capable of landmark investments both in infrastructure and technology.
The stories outlined in the report tell this story: an all-around commitment from the entire industrial sector to hasten the transition towards a mobility model which is more sustainable from an environmental, economic, and social standpoint.

100 stories and their protagonists

These are the main players of the electric mobility industry as outlined in the report through the selected stories: from car makers to e-bike, light vehicle, moped, and e-Bus producers; from companies working in the components business to the designers who are imagining and engineering new forms and shapes in electric mobility; from sharing services to the main actors in the charging business.
One of the 100 Italian-made stories of excellence is very much our own. It’s the story of Ewiva, a joint venture stemming from the partnership between Enel X Way and Volkswagen Group to equip Italy with the largest ultra-fast charging network, available for all e-drivers and powered by 100% renewable power. Our commitment is to address in an effective way the needs of a constantly growing market, setting up by 2025 over 3.000 high-voltage charging points throughout the Italian territory, to make electric mobility an even more accessible choice, for everybody.

Download the full report “100 Italian e-mobility stories 2023”

On 13 December 2022, in Rome, Enel X Way and the Volkswagen Group announced the official launch of Ewiva, the largest ultra-fast charging network for electric vehicles in Italy.

Ewiva’s journey has finally started and on December 13th, during the launch event in Rome, Volkswagen Group and Enel X Way, the Enel Group’s global business line dedicated to electric mobility, officially announced the Joint Venture they founded together at the end of 2021.
Ewiva has the challenging goal of building and operating a widespread, reliable and high-power (up to 350 kW) charging network powered entirely by 100% renewable energy.
The network will involve city centres, suburban areas and main roads used by commuters and tourists, ensuring a simple and accessible user experience for all electric car drivers.

The launch event

A special event took place in Rome to celebrate the company’s launch, involving Ewiva, Enel X Way and Volkswagen Group’s Top Management, together with experts of sustainability, innovation and technology. It has been a great opportunity to get to know the values, mission and objectives of the new company, which is entering the Italian electric mobility market with a leading position in the ultra-fast recharging segment, and to discuss the main challenges and opportunities of the e-mobility development in Italy and Europe.
Ewiva’s first premium site at Via Flaminia 871 was also inaugurated, the largest in Rome and among the largest in Italy, with 14 charging points of up to 300 kW power each and a lounge open to all users.
For those who were not present at the event and missed the live streaming, a full recording is available at this link.

Ewiva’s charging points network

The adventure has only just begun, but Ewiva has already established the largest nationwide ultra-fast charging network. To date, some 750 charging points have already been activated, available at more than 233 sites, and the development plan is constantly accelerating, increasing charging opportunities for electric vehicles to travel comfortably throughout the country, from North to South, East to West.

The e-mobility revolution accelerates and it is finally time to say, Ewiva!