Unveiled at the LCV2015 today (9 September) by Anna Soubry, Minister for Small Business, Industry and Enterprise, the Ultracharger is currently the only rapid charger to be designed and built in the UK but will be offered on a global scale. Chargemaster expects to build 1,000 units in its first full year and initially focus on European sales.

Benefits of the new technology include lightweight design and compact dimensions of 120cm (H) x 60cm (W) x 60cm (D), which mean that it does not need planning permission to be installed in many instances.

In addition, drivers will be able to pay using a contactless debit or credit card as well as an RFID membership card.

The Ultracharger can also be controlled using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR). On recognising a vehicle’s number plate, it will authorise the user and automatically start charging.

The Ultracharger’s three-cable design makes it compatible with all EVs on the market that charge up to 50kW units. It also offers an improved user interface that greets drivers on the 12-inch touchscreen when presenting their card. Owners will also receive a text message to inform them when charge has reached a pre-set level.

Chargemaster CEO David Martell commented: “We’ve always been at the forefront of electric vehicle charging, and we’re proud to unveil the Ultracharger, which takes the industry a massive step forward in terms of modernisation.

“We are proud to be able to manufacture these in the UK, supporting the local economy, while offering high-quality good-value rapid chargers to the electric vehicle market.”