Two new rapid EV charging hubs are set to be installed in the North East, after Fastned agreed a deal with the North East Combined Authority and Newcastle University to create Go Ultra Low Filling Stations in Newcastle and Sunderland.
Each charging station will house six rapid chargers, two of which at the Newcastle University site capable of ultra-rapid charging at 175 kW. These ultra-rapids are 350 kW enabled, to future-proof them as EV charging capabilities improve over time.
With the latest EVs coming through this year able to charge at 100 kW or more, the new Fastned units will be able to add around 125 miles of range in less than 10 minutes. Most existing full EVs – often able to charge at up to 50kW – will also be able to charge at the stations.
Newcastle University’s Helix site will be home to one hub, while the other will be situated close to Sunderland city centre. The charging hubs will be covered by a canopy fitted with solar panels to support power use at the site.
The project is co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the UK Collaboratorium for Research in Infrastructure and Cities (UKCRIC), and the UK Government’s Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV).
The Dutch company says it wants to build many more multi-charger stations in the UK over the next three years and has already won a tender with Transport for London (TfL) to install a number of rapid units for public and taxi only charging.
Find rapid charge points in the UK with the connector or speed filters on Zap-Map desktop and app.
