In its Energy Transition Strategy 2024 report, Shell announced that it plans to divest 1,000 of its retail gas stations (including joint ventures) between 2024 and 2025. The company aims to reallocate these resources toward electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in response to customer needs. 

Shell already has a global investment in EV charging and has experience converting gas stations into charging hubs. By the end of 2023, the Shell Recharge EV charging division operated around 54,000 public charge points for EVs worldwide, up from 27,000 in 2022. Shell's ambitious plans include installing approximately 70,000 public charging points by 2025 and around 200,000 by 2030.

While unloading 1,000 stations represents only a small fraction of Shell's overall sites (approximately 4%), the company aims to replicate the success it has had with EV charging stations in China and expand its charging footprint in other countries, including the United States. Last year, Shell USA acquired charging company Volta, and its Shell Recharge network already boasts over 3,000 charge points across 31 U.S. states, with more in development.

Shell's strategic shift reflects the growing importance of EVs, with an expected surge in sales over the coming years. As the availability of charging points becomes critical for EV growth, Shell is positioning itself to play a significant role in the transition to electric mobility.