Fastned has opened a brand-new ultra-rapid (400kW) charging hub in Banbridge, located just off the A1 - the fastest in Northern Ireland and the company’s first in the region.
Twelve charging bays will offer electric drivers up to 100 miles of charge in 5 minutes, using 100% renewable energy.
Fastned has invested over three million pounds in the purchase and development of the Banbridge hub and an upcoming site in Antrim due to open in March, having identified Northern Ireland as a key growth area due to increasing demand from EV drivers.
Currently ultra-rapid charging accounts for just 4.5% of the country’s network which totals only 687 chargers. Fastned is on a mission to accelerate the electric transition in the UK and Europe and to provide more choice for NI’s almost 23,000 electric drivers.
"Northern Ireland is in desperate need of reliable ultra-rapid charging infrastructure, that’s why we’re proud and excited to be opening our biggest and best charging hub in the UK, in Banbridge," said Tom Hurst, UK and Ireland Country Director at Fastned.
"This hub is not only a game-changer for Northern Ireland’s EV drivers, but it marks our first step into the region. We’re excited to see what’s next and to work with others to improve availability of charging infrastructure in the region."
"The Electric Vehicle Association NI is delighted to welcome Fastned to the province with the opening of their new state-of-the-art facilities at Banbridge," said Mark McCall, Chair at Electric Vehicle Association Northern Ireland.
"With a prime position on our strategic road network, and ultra-rapid charging speeds, this hub will provide a super-fast boost for travellers on the route between Belfast and Dublin. Expanding access to fast, reliable charging infrastructure makes it even more convenient for electric vehicle drivers to travel far and wide, and is a key step toward a cleaner, more sustainable future."
