A first for Belgium: McDonald’s partners with Q8 and Storm to open a restaurant with fast-charging station in Heusden-Zolder
Heusden-Zolder, 11 December 2024 – The very first Belgian McDonald’s restaurant with Q8 fast-charging station will open in Heusden-Zolder tomorrow. A strategic partnership between McDonald’s, Q8 and Storm will allow customers to charge their electric vehicles at one of the 12 Q8 electric fast-charging stations while they enjoy their meal. And there’s lots more in the pipeline because the partners have big ambitions for the next five years: “We have concrete plans to build additional fast-charging stations with restaurants and shops. Thanks to the combination of the partners’ expertise in renewable energy, mobility, and the retail and restaurant sector respectively, we are convinced that we can offer our customers a unique experience.”
Full-service fast-charging stations with restaurants and shops
“Over the next five years, Q8 and Storm plan to build up to 200 new fast-charging stations at visible and easily accessible prime locations throughout Belgium, near both major traffic intersections as well as urban hubs. The first four of these fast-charging stations opened in September in Paal-Beringen, Kampenhout, Aalter and Waasmunster”, says Bart Van Renterghem, Director of Operations at Storm. “Half of these stations will include a shop and a self-service restaurant.”
“The new station opening tomorrow in Heusden-Zolder will be the very first with a McDonald’s restaurant. Here, we are extending our well-known ‘convenience concept’ at Q8 service stations with fast-charging facilities for electric cars. We want our customers to be able to grab a bite and something to drink while fast-charging their cars, like here at McDonald’s in Heusden-Zolder. Next year, we will also open fast-charging stations with a shop, where customers can buy groceries or have a coffee. We believe this makes a big difference in terms of the experience and comfort of our customers with electric cars”, says Steven Clauwaert, Head of Fast Charging at Q8.
“By 2025, in partnership with Q8 and McDonald’s, Storm intends to develop more fast-charging stations with a shop and/or restaurant in Stekene, Tongeren and Waregem. Our combined efforts will contribute towards accelerating the energy transition in Belgium”, adds Bart Van Renterghem.
80% charge in 15 minutes
The Q8 electric fast-charging station in Heusden-Zolder offers space for 12 cars to charge simultaneously, with a charging capacity of up to 400 kW. An average car with a 50 kWh battery can achieve an 80% state of charge in 15 to 20 minutes at this station. And while charging, customers can enjoy a tasty McDonald’s meal in the restaurant (158 seats) or on the large patio (44 seats). There is also a large play area for children. “This McDonald’s restaurant at a fast-charging station fits perfectly into our sustainability strategy, as besides energy-saving and water-saving measures and waste and packaging reduction initiatives, we are also committed to promoting electric driving”, said Mark van Boven, Development Lead at McDonald’s Belgium. “In addition to the 200+ slow chargers we already have at our restaurants, we are now adding fast chargers in partnership with Q8 and Storm. Together, we will also look for more locations in our country to build this type of station. Our ambition is to create dozens of new fast-charging stations with McDonald’s over the next five years.”
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About Q8
One of the largest operators in the fuel and energy sector in Belgium, Q8 focuses on more sustainable mobility. Q8 has more than 465 service stations and a network of over 120 local Shop&Go convenience stores in Belgium operated in partnership with Delhaize and Panos. With HVO100, CNG, LNG and Q8 electric, Q8 is also strongly committed to more sustainable mobility. Since the launch of Q8 electric three years ago, the Q8 charging network has been expanding rapidly. The Q8 charging pass and app offer access to over 500,000 charging points throughout Europe and almost all the charging points in the Benelux region. Over the next five years, Q8 will install more than 500 Q8 electric fast chargers in Benelux. Q8 is continuing to work hard on its transformation into a sustainable mobility player.
About Storm
Since its setup in 2008, Storm has been developing and operating renewable energy projects in Belgium. We develop renewable energy projects such as wind farms, fast-charging stations for electric cars and large-scale battery farms at the lowest possible cost to society. In this way, our team of more than 90 colleagues accelerates the transition to a climate-neutral society.
Storm’s main investment partners are Belgian infrastructure investors, including the publicly traded TINC and several PMV funds. Via Storm CV/SC, which now has more than 4,000 members, all persons living in the vicinity of Storm wind farms have the opportunity to participate in the wind farms.
About McDonald’s Belgium
The 118 Belgian McDonald’s restaurants are managed by 24 franchisees. Together with McDonald’s Belgium, they employ over 8,000 employees, more than 55% of whom are under the age of 25. Starting from day one, they receive continuous training. Each year, McDo employees enjoy more than 150,000 hours of training. Since its arrival in Belgium 46 years ago, McDonald’s has focused on sustainability and taken concrete measures for this, such as implementing 100% green energy since 2007. For more information, please visit: www.mcdonalds.be - https://www.facebook.com/McDonaldsBelgie.
For more information, please contact:
Contact person at Q8
Karen Sleurs - Communications agency Wyngs - 0485 28 73 52 - [email protected]
Contact person at Storm
Ilse Baele - [email protected]
Contact persons at McDonald’s
Florent Baudewyns - 0474 88 30 17 [email protected]
Amélie Scheepers - TBWA Reputation - [email protected]