The UK’s first 350 kW ultra-rapid charge points have been opened today (Tuesday 16th April) in Sunderland by Fastned.
Fastned’s new station has four 50 kW rapid charge points, plus two 175 kW points that are already enabled for 350 kW charging. Currently the fastest an EV can charge at is 150 kW in the Audi e-tron, though faster charging models are due within the year.
Initially, charging at the new station will be free, but after the introductory ends, payment can then be made either with an EV charge card, debit or credit card, Apple Pay, or Android Pay. Later this year, the Fastned App will be available, allowing automatic charging for the first time via its Autocharge system.
Built and operated by Fastned for the North East Joint Transport Committee, and funded through the Go Ultra Low Cities Grant and European Regional Development Fund, the station is located not far from Nissan’s Sunderland plant, which builds the Leaf.
The chargers are on West Wear Street, one of the main roads through Sunderland, and the new station leads Fastned’s work in the area, with another five locations confirmed for EV charge points in the region.
Fastned supplies the charge points with 100% renewable electricity, and the units are available for all EV drivers. The official opening will be carried out on Thursday 6th June
Previously, when talking about the fastest chargers in the UK, it was often required to exclude Tesla’s Supercharger network from the discussion, as these points had technically been the fastest on offer, but only able to be used by Tesla drivers. However, the new charge points in Sunderland are the fastest in the UK outright, and are not manufacturer specific.
Michiel Langezaal, co-founder and CEO of Fastned: “We are pleased to have built this fast charging station where FEV’s can charge up to 350 kW in the United Kingdom in co-operation with the North East Joint Transport Committee.
“Local and regional electric drivers can now use this charging facility. Sunderland is a symbolic city for electric driving, since the factory where the Nissan Leaf is produced is located here. With the Leaf, Nissan was one of the first manufacturers to launch an affordable, mass-produced electric car.”
Councillor Graeme Miller, Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “As host to the UK’s first purpose-built high-power fast charging station, Sunderland continues to lead the way in the electro-mobility industry.
“Along with other private and public charge-point developments currently underway, these rapid charging stations will help further establish the North East of England as a leader in electric mobility. And it’s also very good news for the electric drivers in this region. The stations can provide electric freedom and ease of travelling for local commuters, commercial fleets, and travellers passing through the region.”
The new Fastned station is available to find on Zap-Map, using the Fastned and/or connector filters. Click on the button below to find our map.
