Fastned has unveiled its largest electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to date – opening up the Gentbrugge rest area which is located on the E17 highway between Ghent and Antwerp.
Both North and South stations feature 16 fast charging points of 400 kW each for EV drivers, plus two chargers for electric trucks alongside a restaurant, 24/7 self-service shop, family play area, showers and toilets – all operating with zero emissions.
The site is expected to serve approximately 26 million vehicles passing north and south each year.
The location also offers clean and comfortable toilets created with specialist partners ONE HUNDRED Restrooms as well as warm showers, outdoor picnic tables, and a family play area within a landscaped and nature-inspired environment designed for people, not for cars.
Fastned Gentbrugge proves what is possible for the future of sustainable mobility. The entire site – over 8,000m2 across both sides of the highway – is fully electric (including the kitchen and retail area) with zero emissions during operations.
Components of both the charging area and the retail building can be easily disassembled and reused at the end of their lifecycle, and circular materials including biobased insulation, recycled concrete and crushed seashells have been used in the retail construction.
A custom-built underground water treatment facility ensures the natural environment remains unaffected by stations operations, while a ‘green roof’ captures and reuses rainwater, some of which is used to flush the toilets.
The entire site, previously a bare parking area, has been freshly landscaped to provide shelter from the highway, with greenery and newly-planted trees and flowers creating a peaceful space to rest during a long journey.
Fastned Gentbrugge brings Fastned to 47 charging stations in Belgium and a total network of over 380 stations across nine countries so far.
By the end of 2025 the company intends to have opened 50 stations in Belgium and surpassed 400 stations across Europe, powering millions of drivers to travel across borders with electric freedom. Fastned aims to have a network of 1,000 charging stations by 2030.
Matthias Pletinckx, Country Director, Fastned Belgium, said:
“Fastned Gentbrugge is a proud flagship for our network in Belgium, bringing us close to 50 stations across the nation – and serving as a blueprint for how rest areas should look whether in Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels. With EV sales in 2025 up 25% year on year, we are building the long-term infrastructure to offer Belgian drivers impeccable charging, the best amenities and environments, and an experience they look forward to every time they stop for a break on their journey.”
Michiel Langezaal, co-founder and CEO of Fastned added:
“EV drivers today are too often forced to go from one place to another to get their needs met – reliable fast charging, good food, fresh coffee, comfortable restrooms and a place to relax. Fastned Gentbrugge is about showing that we can answer all these needs in one place within a beautiful, sustainable and human-focused environment. EV sales are rising once again in Europe and Fastned Gentbrugge is raising the bar for the best customer experience on the road. We can’t wait to see you there.”
Image courtesy of Fastned.
