On the E17 between Ghent and Antwerp, Fastned has opened two new stations. With charging points for passenger cars and trucks, as well as gastronomy and service facilities, they are intended to serve as a model for future rest areas.
Two rest stops, one concept
Fastned opened two new sites on 17 September 2025 under the name “Fastned Gentbrugge.” The rest stops lie on both sides of the E17 motorway between Ghent and Antwerp. Together they serve a traffic volume of around 26 million vehicles per year.
„Fastned Gentbrugge is the proud flagship of our network in Belgium, takes us to almost 50 stations in the country – and serves as a blueprint for how rest stops in Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels should look. With an increase in electric car sales
by 25% in 2025, we are building the long-term infrastructure to offer Belgian drivers first-class charging, the best amenities and an experience they look forward to at every break,“ says Matthias Pletinckx, Country Director Belgium.
Charging infrastructure for cars and trucks
Each station has 16 fast-charging points for electric cars. The charging capacity is up to 400 kilowatts; the layout is designed as a drive-through with the typical solar-tree roofs. Additionally, on each side there are two charging points for electric trucks.
On-site services
In addition to the charging infrastructure there is a restaurant and a 24/7 self-service shop. The facilities also include toilets, developed with partner One Hundred Restrooms, warm showers, outdoor picnic tables and a playground for children. The entire site is landscaped and geared toward the quality of
stay of travelers.
Sustainability in construction
The stations each cover more than 8,000 square meters and are powered entirely by electricity. Kitchens and sales areas also operate emissions-free. In construction, circular materials such as bio-based insulation, recycled concrete and shell limestone were used. The construction is designed so that components can be reused at the end of their lifecycle. An underground water treatment system protects the surroundings, a green roof collects rainwater and uses it, among other things, for toilet flushing. The formerly asphalted area has been greened and planted with trees and flowers.
Network and expansion goals
Fastned Gentbrugge is the company's 47th station in Belgium. In total, Fastned operates more than 380 stations in nine countries. By the end of 2025, there should be 50 in Belgium and over
400 in Europe. The long-term goal is 1,000 stations by 2030.
Opening with invitation
To mark the opening of the two sites, Fastned invites visitors of all genders to a free cup of coffee from 19 to 21 September 2025.
What does this mean?
With the new stations in Gentbrugge, Fastned shows how charging infrastructure can look when paired with service and quality of stay. The project combines electric mobility with classic rest-stop elements such as gastronomy, sanitary facilities and playgrounds. Whether the concept is economically viable and how strongly it is adopted by users remains to be seen. For the industry, Gentbrugge is nonetheless a signal: charging parks could in the future be more than just power stations – they could be places that redefine being on the move. (av)
