A fast-growing number of foreign companies set up in Brussels to develop their business across Europe why.brussels wants to make them known!
What is Driveco exactly?
French pioneer in EV charging, our mission is to make electric mobility accessible to all. To do this, we deploy fast and universal charging stations throughout Europe, in order for drivers to get a simple and economical charging experience anywhere.
•Where the company originally came from?
DRIVECO was founded in 2010 by Corsica Sole, a developer, operator, and producer of solar energy, with the goal of promoting solar mobility and working towards carbon neutrality by 2050.
Today, we are the leading electric mobility company in France. With several thousand charging points and offices across the country, we ensure the deployment of a high-quality, locally manufactured charging network.
To support our strong growth and continue innovating, since 2020, Driveco has raised several hundred million euros from MIROVA, a fund manager dedicated to sustainable development, and APG, an infrastructure fund that shares our values and long-term commitment. With these two partners by our side, we are well-equipped to become the European leader in electric mobility.
• Can you tell me more about the expansion of the company?
We opened our office in Brussels at the end of 2023. Now, our goal is to accelerate international expansion to offer 60,000 charging points across 7 European countries (continuing development in France and Belgium; launching operations in Germany, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, and Switzerland) by 2030. The objective is to enable the charging of over 1.2 million vehicles annually for all their journeys, aiming to prevent the emission of 3 million tons of CO2.
• How do you demark yourself from the concurrence?
Driveco is a manufacturer and operator of charging stations: in other words, we own and operate the stations we install free of charge in the parking lots of our landowning partners. Thanks to our solution, they can enhance the value of their property by offering a recharging station, and benefit from an annual rent for the electrified spaces. We then generate income from vehicle recharging. For those who prefer to retain ownership of the charging infrastructure in their parking lots, we act as advisor, installer and maintainer of the charging stations. Our customers choose us for our comprehensive offer, from feasibility study to installation, and for our excellent customer service.
Our offer is based on four key pillars:
-The largest network of charging stations in France, with over 6,000 charge points open to the public.
– A simple, reliable user experience, with an operating rate of 98.7% compared with an average of 83.9% in France, thanks to proven charging infrastructures and over 10 years’ expertise.
– A fluid, intuitive mobile application (rated 4.7/5 on iOS) that enables stress-free recharging.
-The supply of renewable energy to electric vehicle drivers using Driveco stations.
Finally, we are the only specialists in what we call the “power cocktail” of recharging: we firmly believe that it is essential to provide drivers with different recharging price and speed options, adapted to all the needs and uses of everyday French people.
• Why did you choose Brussels to install your company?
Driveco chose Brussels for two main reasons:
o The city represents the economic heart of Belgium, playing a crucial role in the country’s economic vitality. As such, the city provides opportunities for partnerships and development in various sectors, including retail and hospitality.
o Additionally, being centrally located in Europe makes it an ideal location for accessing European markets. Brussels, as an economic and political center, provides a platform to expand Driveco’s reach and influence.
• What are the next steps for the company?
Firstly, to strengthen our territorial coverage. Secondly, to accelerate our international expansion. And finally, to consolidate our innovation strategy by offering our customers a simple, seamless user experience, both at our charging stations and on our dedicated app.
These three strategic pillars will enable us to meet the growing needs of electric mobility by offering an extensive recharging network, flawless reliability and a first-rate user experience. We look forward to fulfilling this ambitious vision and continuing to contribute to the transition towards more sustainable mobility in Europe, to make the ‘electric revolution’ a reality accessible to all.
