The UK’s largest EV rapid charging hub has been inaugurated in Milton Keynes, with eight charge points located just off the M1 at the Milton Keynes Coachway.
Officially opened by Milton Keynes’ Mayor Martin Petchey, the hub is the largest of its kind in Britain, with the rapid charge points operated by BP Chargemaster, and available to access via the Polar network.
Although there are larger numbers of Tesla Superchargers in a single location, the network is only available for Tesla owners to use. As such, the Milton Keynes hub – which is available for any EV driver to use – offers charging on Type 2 43 kW AC, and 50 kW DC on CCS and CHAdeMO connectors.
Three canopies are in place to cover the chargers and protect drivers from the elements while plugging in. The Coachway also has space in which to wait, get something to eat, drink, or read, and toilet facilities.
More than 500 EVs have used the charging hub, which was made live before Christmas. The official opening saw the mayor joined by Brian Matthews, Head of Transport at Milton Keynes Council, and BP Chargemaster Chief Executive David Martell.
David Martell said: “We are delighted to be operating what is now the UK’s largest universal rapid charging hub, providing a fantastic, convenient place to charge for drivers travelling within and around Milton Keynes.
“The eight UK-made Ultracharge rapid chargers join the 300 Fastcharge and 65 rapid chargers that we already operate in the area, which has established itself as a centre of excellence for electric vehicle charging infrastructure.”
