Azerbaijan's State Oil Company launches Switzerland's first fast-charging station for electric trucks

BAKU. May 16 (Interfax) - SOCAR Energy Switzerland, a subsidiary of the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijani Republic (SOCAR), commissioned Switzerland's first fast-charging station for electric trucks on Thursday, the Swiss company said.

"The station is located at the Kolliken-Nord rest area along the A1 national highway. The new infrastructure is designed for charging electric heavy-duty vehicles, with a maximum power output of 400 kW," it said.

This solution significantly reduces charging time for electric trucks, which could be highly beneficial for the logistics sector, it said.

"By the end of 2026, SOCAR plans to install around 100 charging points for electric passenger and commercial vehicles across Switzerland," it said.

Kolliken is one of the first Swiss towns to introduce roadside refueling infrastructure. Switzerland's first highway gas station opened in this location in 1967.

In Switzerland, SOCAR operates in the retail petroleum sector, expanding its network of gas stations under the SOCAR brand.

In November 2011, SOCAR signed an agreement in Zurich to acquire shares in Ecco Schweiz GmbH. The total purchase cost SOCAR $330 million, granting it control over a retail fuel network of 170 gas stations. Today, this network has grown to 200 stations.

Zurich also serves as the headquarters for SOCAR Trading.

On July 1, 2023, SOCAR opened Switzerland's first hydrogen refueling station, Grauholz Sud.