Extra MSA Group and Ionity have expanded their ultra-rapid electric vehicle charging hub at Leeds Skelton Lake Services (M1 J45), adding 10 new high-power charging bays.

The expansion brings the total number of Ionity high-power chargers at the Leeds site to 16. Capable of delivering speeds up to 400kW, these ultra-rapid units can add more than 100 miles of driving range to compatible electric vehicles in less than 10 minutes.

This project forms part of a wider rollout across Extra MSA’s estate. A total of 24 of these 400kW Ionity charge points can also be found across five of its other major strategic motorway locations. These include Cambridge (A14(M11), J24), Cobham (M25 J9/10), Peterborough Services (A1(M) J17 & A605), Blackburn (M65, J4) and Baldock Services (A1(M) J10).

The latest installations anchor Extra MSA’s work to position itself as the leading motorway services provider when it comes to EV charging. The company’s ongoing partnerships with both Ionity and Gridserve enable it to provide customers with substantial rapid charge infrastructure across its estate.

Through Ionity’s partnership with green energy supplier Octopus Energy, all power delivered through these chargers comes from 100% renewable sources, ensuring entirely emission-free travel for drivers.

Tom Dobson, CEO at Extra MSA Group, said: “We’re proud to continue collaborating with Ionity to deliver high-quality, world-class EV chargers that meet changing customer demand, making their lives easier while helping to decarbonise the road network.

“As one of the leading EV charging operators across Europe, Ionity provides reliable EV facilities which remain a fundamental pillar in helping us meet our net zero goals and make our operations more sustainable.”

Ionity’s European network now spans more than 860 stations and 6,150 chargers across 24 countries, equating to a charging site every 60 to 80 miles across Europe’s highway network.

Andreas Atkins, country manager UK & Ireland at the major high-power charging network, said: “To keep the UK’s EV revolution rolling, it’s not enough to provide charging points alone. Drivers want effortless, convenient experiences that allow them to recharge themselves as well as their vehicles. Something as simple as a quiet place to drink your favourite coffee can transform the experience of waiting for your vehicle to charge.

“Partnership with a brand such as Extra is so important if we’re to deliver that kind of experience. Our collective expertise is a valuable contribution to the EV rollout — particularly in areas like Leeds, where there’s been a longstanding commitment from local authorities to reach net zero by 2030. Making those sustainable facilities as enjoyable as possible is key.”