Austin to Welcome Shell’s Electric Vehicle Charging Hubs
Shell USA, a subsidiary of the multinational petroleum giant, is planning a strategic shift towards more
environmentally friendly solutions and is set to extend its existing network of EV charging stations
significantly by 2030. Set on this ambitious trajectory, the company has chosen Austin, Texas as one of the first
cities on its expansion list.
The Locations
The plan involves establishing two innovative EV (Electric Vehicle) charging hubs in Austin. The proposed
locations, situated at 5253 North Lamar Boulevard and 2915 South First Street, were once auto service garages.
Both properties, purchased within the last year by Equilon Enterprises, a Shell USA subsidiary, are poised to
begin a new chapter.
Remarkably, these addresses have already received demolition approval from the City of Austin. The project has
been aptly named “Shell EV Hub.” As part of the permit, national design consultancy GPD Group described the new
venture as a “parking lot with electric vehicle charging stations and shade canopies.”
Towards a Greener Future
Unlike the conventional EV stations at existing gas stations, known for their ‘Shell Recharge’ branding, the
proposed EV hubs are set to be an electric-only concept,. The design has its roots in the eco-modern approach
employed at Shell’s previous flagship locations in London and Paris. Echoing its commitment to renewable energy,
the London site features multiple sleek rapid charging stations sheltered under a timber canopy with highly
functioning solar panels.
As for the new Austin hubs, there are no further details about the design, such as whether it will adopt the same
eco-modern shade canopy concept. However, considering the city’s mounting demand for EV charging locations,
Austin’s EV drivers will undoubtedly welcome this initiative.
While some may raise an eyebrow at this development, even if, as revealed from the project descriptions, an oil
company is indeed building two EV charging parking lots in Austin, this strategic pivot speaks volumes about Shell’s
outlook. The approach is clear – Shell is adapting, moving towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Leading the Charge in Electric Vehicles
Austin, with its rising numbers of new EV registrations, leading the state, can anticipate a surge in the
availability of charging stations in the coming years. For a one-time hub of the oil industry, the shift towards
renewable energy forms a captivating contrast. Nevertheless, as the city looks ahead, the prospect of renewable
energy stations emerging from former gasoline stations is a sign of the future.
