» B:SM is now managing this network, which consists of a total of 502 electric charging points shared between public highways and municipal car parks
» This is a Barcelona City Council government measure linked to the electric mobility strategy
Sustainability and energy efficiency are two priority criteria in Barcelona’s sustainable mobility policy. Within this context, Endolla Barcelona, a municipal network of charging points for electric vehicles has been developed. This is a Barcelona City Council government measure linked to the electric mobility strategy, which is now managed by Barcelona de Serveis Municipals (B:SM). This demonstrates the city’s commitment to keep working in favor of electric vehicles and to contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions and decreased noise levels, and to encourage respect for the environment through sustainable mobility.
The network, the largest in the country, consists of 503 electric charging points, which provide a service to all the city’s districts, divided between public highways and municipal car parks. The charging points located on the street allow users to make a stop to recharge their vehicle, while the points placed in car parks offer users the possibility of charging their vehicle while it is parked. Of the 366 charging points in car parks, 192 are specifically for cars and the remaining 174 are for motorcycles.
There are different types of charge according to the time it takes to fill the batteries. The network has rapid charging points, that can charge 80% of the battery in just 30 minutes, semi-fast charging points, that charge 100% in 4 hours, and normal charging points, that charge 100% of the batteries in 8 hours. Of these, 285 are specifically designed for motorcycles. The charging points have connectors for the most common electric vehicles: Schuko, Mennekes, CHADeMO and Combo 2.
This project also signifies Barcelona’s public leadership in the commitment to electro-mobility, since it offers a service with quality, fairness and a social perspective that provides coverage for all of the areas of the city.
How to access the Endolla Barcelona service
All city residents who wish to use the network to charge their electric vehicle need to have an identification card assigned to their vehicle. This means that each user must have a card for each electric vehicle they possess, for example, in the case of company fleets. The card can be obtained through a procedure at the City Council Virtual Office. This card is personal and non-transferable and provides access to the use of the network free of charge. To charge the vehicle at underground points in the city’s public car parks it is not necessary to use the card.
New Help Point
If network users need to obtain information or carry out any procedure related to the service, they will be able to go to the Citizen Help and Information Office at 66, Carrer Calàbria. In addition, the new incident helpline is now 937 064 866. If users have an incident relating to the street level charging points they can call this number; however, if the incident takes place at underground points, they should go directly to the staff of the car park in which they are located.
Advantages of electro-mobility
Electric vehicles are more efficient than conventional vehicles, they encourage the reduction of dependence on energy derived from petroleum, and they integrate renewable energy into mobility. They contribute to the improvement of the environment, because they do not generate polluting emissions or particulates, and, at the same time, they reduce noise pollution.
As well as advantages in environmental and energy terms, electro-mobility also offers economic advantages. Electric vehicles benefit from a 75% reduction in tax on mechanical traction vehicles, and those categorized as “zero emissions” can park in blue or green zones with a tariff of 0 Euros, respecting the timetables and maximum stay regulations.
The DGT Vehicle Register classifies the following types of vehicle as “zero emissions”:
- Battery electric vehicles (BEV)
- Range-extended electric vehicles (REEV)
- Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles with a minimum range of 40 km and fuel-cell vehicles (PHEV)
On the other hand, the electric vehicle accelerates the development of smart energy networks (smart grids), consolidates an innovative industrial sector and contributes to territorial balance, creating more connections and interaction with Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs).