Enhanced charging experiences: Shell Recharge x BYD partnership

The Challenge:

Global sales figures for electric vehicles show the transition to electric mobility is accelerating at pace. International Energy Agency (IEA) data shows one in every seven passenger cars bought globally in 2022 was an EV – a significant increase from 2017, when it was just one in every 70 cars.

The EV industry is at an exciting tipping point, however, if progress towards mass adoption is to continue, the mobility ecosystem must work together effectively and form partnerships that help to remove barriers to entry.

“We want to help customers drive as many electric miles as possible,” said István Kapitány, Global Executive Vice President, Shell Mobility. “We are working both internally and with our partners in the value chain to rapidly scale the number of Shell Recharge charging points globally, while also investing in an improved customer charging experience.”

Effective collaboration within the mobility sector requires the right partners to come together with a willingness to embrace innovative business models and introduce new solutions for customers. To this end, in 2022, Shell Recharge and BYD unveiled a strategic cooperation agreement to work together to deliver a better charging experience for EV drivers.

The Solutions:

1. Seamless charging enabled by digital services

Our annual EV Driver Survey revealed that charging experience is an important part of continued EV adoption. In response, Shell Recharge and BYD have focused on improving time charging by reducing costs and simplifying payment. At least 100,000 of BYD’s European EV customers will be provided with Shell Recharge network membership, receiving discounted charging at 500,000 Shell DC charge points across the continent.

Business customers that purchase BYD vehicles to electrify their fleets will also access EV charging through the Shell Card – a single payment solution that covers invoicing for traditional fuels, EV charging and alternative lower-carbon fuels. To make the charging process as seamless and stress-free as possible, Shell Recharge locations have been integrated into the sat nav technology integrated into BYD vehicles.

Michael Shu, Managing Director at BYD Europe, said: "We are thrilled to be partnering with Shell to offer BYD customers membership to leading public charging solutions. Through this agreement, our customers will have access to an expansive network of chargers across Europe, offering highly favourable rates.”

2. Growing the charging network in China

As part of their partnership, Shell Recharge and BYD recognise the importance of expanding fleet solutions and depot charging services for customers in China. Shell Recharge and BYD are collaborating to expand their joint EV charging network –10,000 charge points in Shenzhen, including 258 at the flagship site at Bao’an Airport – with a shared objective to further expand their charging network within the world’s largest EV market.

With a focus on customer experience, both parties will explore opportunities to build Shell Recharge-BYD EV hubs in key European markets, allowing drivers to enjoy the experience of BYD premium designs and Shell Recharge’s advanced new energy vehicle technology.

The Results:

Being from different parts of the mobility value chain means BYD and Shell bring complementary expertise, capabilities, and ideas to the table. Wide-ranging cooperation can drive forward new solutions to improve the charging experience for customers and play a critical role in powering the uptake of EVs at scale.

“No single company can drive forward the electric mobility transition alone; instead it will require entire value chains to work in unison,” said István. “We’re committed to working with the right partners, collaborating with companies like BYD to develop the innovations that make charging EVs a simple, convenient, and enjoyable experience.”