Nuclear powering vehicles as Energoatom launches ATOMcharge network
30 September 2022
Ukrainian nuclear power operator Energoatom is entering retail electricity through a network of electric vehicle chargers branded ATOMcharge. A network of 120 charging stations is to begin construction within two years, the company said.
The chargers that drivers will use to fill up (Image: Energoatom)
State-owned Energoatom operates all of Ukraine's 15 nuclear power reactors, which together provide around half of the country's electricity, notwithstanding impacted demand due to the current armed conflict in the country and the occupation of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant by Russian forces.
Energoatom President Petro Kotin said that the company has "significant capacity for the production of cheap and clean electricity, which can be supplied to new segments of the domestic market". The forthcoming network of chargers would "meet the growing needs of domestic motor carriers for affordable electricity, fast and convenient charging of electric cars in any corner of Ukraine".
Initial plans would see 40 high capacity ATOMcharge points delivering 160 kW and 80 medium capacity chargers of 60 kW set up in regional centres and on main highways.
According to Autogeek website, Ukraine has a fleet of almost 40,750 fully electric vehicles and perhaps a further 13,000 plug-in hybrids, making it a leader in electric vehicles in Eastern Europe.
Researched and written by World Nuclear News