E.ON Expands Dutch EV Charging Network with Acquisition of Catom Infrastructure

European energy company E.ON has strengthened its position in the Dutch electric vehicle charging market by acquiring a network of charging facilities from Catom, a Netherlands-based fuel distribution and trading company. The infrastructure was previously part of BP's operations in the country before Catom acquired BP's Dutch fuel retail and EV charging business in 2025.

The transaction brings a combination of operational charging locations and planned developments under E.ON's ownership, supporting the company's continued expansion of public fast-charging infrastructure.

Existing Infrastructure and Future Expansion

The acquired portfolio includes 17 large-scale fast-charging hubs equipped with Alpitronic chargers capable of delivering up to 300 kW per unit.

A further 51 locations use battery-buffered charging technology, allowing high-power EV charging to be provided in areas where electricity grid capacity is constrained. By incorporating battery storage, these facilities can help address infrastructure limitations that might otherwise restrict the deployment of fast chargers.

In addition to the operational network, E.ON has secured 45 locations designated for future fast-charging developments. These sites are expected to be developed progressively over the coming years, further increasing the availability of charging infrastructure across the Netherlands.

E.ON and Essent to Manage the Network

The charging facilities will operate through a collaboration between E.ON Drive Infrastructure and Essent, both part of the E.ON Group.

E.ON Drive Infrastructure will be responsible for owning, operating and maintaining the charging equipment. Essent, an established energy supplier in the Netherlands, will oversee customer-facing activities, including marketing and communications.

As part of this arrangement, the charging locations will adopt Essent branding, while the equipment itself will carry the E.ON name.

The companies have indicated that existing customers will be able to continue using the charging facilities without disruption following the change in ownership.

Strengthening Essent's Market Position

Following the acquisition, Essent's Dutch fast-charging network will comprise 79 locations with a combined 370 charging points. This expansion positions the company as the fourth-largest fast-charging network operator in the Netherlands.

The addition of battery-supported charging locations also strengthens E.ON's capabilities in integrating energy storage with EV charging infrastructure. The company already operates battery-integrated charging systems in several European markets, using the technology to support charging deployment where conventional grid connections present challenges.

The acquisition provides E.ON and Essent with an established operational network and a pipeline of new locations, creating opportunities to expand fast-charging coverage as demand for electric mobility continues to develop.

Financial details of the agreement have not been disclosed.

Source