Revolutionising E-Mobility: Federico Caleno’s Vision for iPlanet and Italy’s EV Future

As the world accelerates towards electrification, Italy stands at a pivotal crossroads. While electric vehicle (EV) adoption has surged in many parts of Europe, Italy lags behind, with just 4% of vehicles currently electric. However, the winds of change are blowing, and IPlanet, a joint venture between Italiana Petroli (IP) and Macquarie Investments, is leading the charge. Federico Caleno, COO of IPlanet, shares his insights into how the company is reshaping Italy’s service stations for the e-mobility era.

A Vision for Transition

Caleno brings years of e-mobility experience to IPlanet, having worked in the field since 2008. “E-mobility will soon be a reality in Italy,” he affirms. With Italy targeting 6.6 million EVs on the road by 2030, IPlanet is determined to bridge the gap between traditional fuel networks and EV charging infrastructure. Their mission? To transform IP’s more than 500 service stations across the country into hubs of electrification and decarbonisation. “Our goal is to offer customers the same comfort and convenience they’ve come to expect from traditional refuelling,” Caleno explains. IPlanet is creating a seamless experience where drivers can recharge their vehicles while enjoying amenities such as free Wi-Fi, food, beverages, and other services that enrich their time at the station.

Addressing Infrastructure Challenges

Deploying EV charging infrastructure at scale comes with its challenges. Caleno highlights two primary hurdles: integrating high-power chargers with the existing grid and optimising station design to accommodate both traditional fuel pumps and EV chargers. “Unlike many charging point operators, we already own the space,” he says, emphasising the advantage of leveraging established service station locations. However, designing layouts that ensure safety and operational efficiency, such as maintaining appropriate distances from fuel tanks, requires careful planning. Additionally, the need for medium-voltage grid connections or on-site energy storage solutions adds another layer of complexity. To overcome these challenges, IPlanet is investing in innovative technologies like battery storage and photovoltaic (PV) systems. “We’re not just installing chargers; we’re building localised microgrids and virtual power plants (VPPs) to support the transition to decarbonised energy,” Caleno explains. These systems reduce reliance on the grid and lower energy costs, ensuring a sustainable future.

E-Mobility: The Industry’s Birthright

Caleno’s strategy aligns with the broader belief that e-mobility is a natural evolution for the fuel retail industry. As Om Shankar, General Manager and Vice President of Global e-Mobility at Konect, points out, “Our industry is uniquely positioned because of its natural adjacency to retail.” By integrating EV charging with retail ecosystems, fuel retailers can create new revenue streams and enhance customer loyalty. IPlanet’s approach reflects this vision. “We’re not excluding traditional fuel,” Caleno says. “Most of our customers today are coming to refuel their cars, but they’re also the EV customers of tomorrow.” By offering a unified experience that includes both fuelling and charging, IPlanet is paving the way for a smooth transition to electrification.

An Ambitious Road Ahead

With plans to electrify more than 500 sites by 2030, iIPlanet’s roadmap is ambitious yet grounded in practicality. The company’s commitment to high-power charging, reliable infrastructure, and customer-centric services sets it apart in a crowded field. “Reliability is key,” Caleno stresses. “Customers need to trust that they can find a functioning, high-powered charger whenever they visit an IPlanet station.” Beyond charging, IPlanet’s focus on additional services ensures that every visit is a valuable experience, whether customers are stopping for a quick charge or enjoying the station’s amenities.

Driving Italy’s EV Revolution

IPlanet, is not just meeting today’s needs but anticipating the demands of an electric future. IPlanet challenge is setting a benchmark for how traditional fuel retailers can embrace electrification while maintaining its relevance and profitability. “The future is electric,” Caleno declares. And with iIPlanet’s innovative approach, Italy’s EV future has never looked brighter.

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