Fastned will expand its presence in the North East, having won a contract to install five new rapid charging sites in the region.
Each new station will initially feature two 50 kW rapid chargers, powered by 100% renewable electricity. The deal will see new sites at Blyth, Gateshead, Kingston Park, Washington, and Whitley Bay.
Two existing stations are under construction already by Fastned in the North East of England, with units going in at Newcastle and Sunderland. These are being rolled out as part of the Go Ultra Low NE programme.
The network is expanding in the UK, having already established 88 locations across the Netherlands and Germany. Plans are to build 1,000 rapid charging stations in Europe, with the UK part of that project.
Michiel Langezaal, CEO Fastned: “Fastned was founded to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles, so we are pleased we can start offering fast charging infrastructure in the North East of England. Reliable fast charging infrastructure will make fully electric vehicles just as practical as cars with internal combustion engines.”
Councillor Martin Gannon, Chair of the North East Joint Transport Committee and Leader of Gateshead Council, said: “The five rapid charging hubs will help further establish the North East of England as a leader in electric mobility and are very good news for electric drivers in our region. The hubs can provide electric freedom and ease of travelling for local commuters, commercial fleets, and travellers passing through the region.”