I would like to have a discussion on the possibility of changing the brand and network keys on currently tagged Volta EV charging stations to Shell Recharge and associated wikidata ( Q105883058)
Here is the existing stations in OSM in question:
Volta was a network that was free but paid for charging by having large display ads at each spot. They still operate on this model but Shell bought the company in 2023 for $169 million. Subsequently, the stations have been rebranded as Shell Recharge and added to the Shell app.
It seems like a good idea to update those stations to what ever the current status is. But . . .
Shell Recharge has dropped a bunch of locations that were independently owned. Apparently Shell provided branding, back end services, etc. but no longer wanted to be in that business and if focusing their business on locations that they own.
I am not sure what the status of the old Volta locations is. Were they dropped by Shell Recharge? Were they considered to be corporate owned rather than partner owned and still around with Shell Recharge branding? Or does it vary on a site by site basis?
Given the uncertain situation, it seems best to me that the current status of each old Volta location be verified rather than just blanket changed to Shell Recharge.
Thanks @n76 I’m about 5 hours away from the nearest node but would love to have feedback as to what these stations look like on the ground today. From Plug Share, they seem to be Shell Recharge branded but you don’t need the app since it’s free. But if that’s not what’s on the ground absolutely that’s what we should go by.
