Fiat Chrysler signs EV charge point deals with Enel, Engie

Automaker Fiat Chrysler (FCA) has signed an agreement with European utilities Enel and Engie to assist provide its customers charging points for electric vehicles (EV) it is preparing to roll out.

FCA, which is lagging competitors in developing electrified vehicles, stated last June it is going to invest 9 billion euros ($10 billion) during the next five years to introduce hybrid and electric cars throughout regions.

Earlier month, the Italian-American automaker proposed a merger with French competitor Renault in part to share the expenses of developing a new series of electric cars. Merger talks collapsed previously this month.

In a statement, FCA stated the main motive of its partnerships with Enel and Engie was to be capable to provide private and public charging stations to encourage the sales of its soon-to-be-launched completely electric Fiat 500 BEV and plug-in hybrid Jeep Renegade PHEV.

“We are assembling an eco-system of partners, products and services across multiple markets to meet and exceed the rapidly evolving expectations of our customers for electrified vehicles,” FCA Chief Executive Mike Manley stated.

The deal also consists of developing services including apps to permit clients to locate public charging points.

Enel, through its Enel X unit, will collaborate with FCA in Italy, Spain and Portugal, while Engie will work with the automaker in 14 other European markets.