DATS 24 OPENS 50 NEW CHARGING HUBS

Halle, 04/12/2024 - DATS 24 is proud to announce the launch of an ambitious project to make electric driving more accessible. Starting December 4, the company will rapidly construct 50 new charging hubs featuring state-of-the-art charging stations, making on-the-go EV charging even more convenient. This investment addresses the growing demand for sustainable mobility solutions and underscores DATS 24’s commitment to a greener future.

The new charging hubs, strategically located in the parking lots of Colruyt Lowest Prices stores, will offer a mix of fast chargers and standard chargers with capacities ranging from 22 kW to 150 kW, ensuring that all types of electric vehicles can be charged quickly and easily. The first hub will open in Aalst, with many more to follow in the coming months in cities such as Brugge, Sint-Niklaas, and Hasselt. Accessible 24/7, these charging stations provide drivers with reliable options to charge their electric cars at any time. Open to the public, the parking areas allow everyone—whether they shop at Colruyt or not—to benefit from these EV charging facilities.

With this project, DATS 24 is taking a significant step toward its ambitious plan to install at least 10,000 public charging points in Belgium over the next five years. This expansion aims to position the company as one of the largest charging network operators in the country. The initiative highlights DATS 24’s dedication to making sustainable mobility widely accessible, contributing to the transition toward a climate-neutral future.

Jean-Jacques Delmée, Joint CEO DATS 24: “DATS 24 has focused on delivering energy solutions that align with current and future market demands for 50 years. The new charging hubs exemplify this forward-thinking approach, operating exclusively from renewable sources.”

Since June 2023, DATS 24 has collaborated with Virya Energy to amplify and accelerate its commitment to building a sustainable society. The charging stations combine convenience and eco-friendliness, offering electric vehicle drivers a completely emission-free charging experience.

Jo Willemyns, General Manager Colruyt Lowest Prices Stores: “The synergy between our stores and DATS 24’s charging infrastructure creates an added benefit for our customers. Electric vehicle owners can now easily combine a visit to the store with (fast) charging their vehicles. It’s an extension of the efficient shopping experience we’re known for—right into our parking lots, where six fast chargers will always be available for our customers. This initiative not only meets our customers’ evolving needs but also contributes to cleaner transportation—something we’re very proud of.”

About DATS 24

DATS 24 is the fuel and energy specialist of Virya Energy, the energy holding company of Colruyt Group and Korys, the investment company of the Colruyt family.
​With a network of 145 fuel stations across Belgium, DATS 24 provides both conventional and alternative fuels, including petrol, diesel, CNG, electricity, and hydrogen. Two-thirds of these stations are located near one or more Colruyt Group retail formats.
​DATS 24 has adhered to the stringent ISO 14001 environmental standard for years thanks to its rigorous environmental policies. Recently, the company announced plans to install 10,000 charging points over five years, with the first 2,000 already operational. For the installation of its charging hubs, DATS 24 partners with Pluginvest as its preferred provider.
​In addition, DATS 24 supplies natural gas and 100% green electricity to businesses and an increasing number of households in Flanders and Wallonia. Thanks to competitive rates, it ranks highly on platforms such as vtest.vreg.be and compacwape.be.

About Virya Energy

Virya Energy, a Belgian pioneer in sustainable energy solutions, was founded in 2019 through the strategic partnership of Colruyt Group and its majority shareholder Korys. Operating across the full sustainable energy value chain, the company covers activities from production to distribution, with its distribution activities managed through its subsidiary DATS 24.

Virya Energy's portfolio encompasses strategic investments across wind and solar energy, sustainable hydrogen development, energy distribution, and specialized energy industry services. With over two decades of experience in onshore wind energy starting in 1999, and a pioneering role in sustainable hydrogen since 2012, Virya Energy has built extensive expertise in renewable energy development

The company’s "fit for purpose energy" strategy enables the delivery of tailored energy solutions from production to end-users, driving forward the acceleration of the energy transition and the development of innovative technologies.