European ultra-rapid charging network Fastned has opened a new charging hub said to mark Northern Ireland’s fastest yet.

The 400kW charging hub brings a much-needed boost to ultra-rapid charging provision in the country

Located in Banbridge, the 400kW charging hub goes live on the back of a multi-million-pound investment and brings a much-needed boost to ultra-rapid charging provision in the country.

The site, Fastned’s first in Northern Ireland, features 12 charging bays offering electric drivers up to 100 miles of charge in five minutes, using 100% renewable energy.

Fastned, the UK’s best-rated ultra-rapid EV charging company, will open its second charging hub in Antrim later in March with a similar offering.

The Banbridge site marks an important moment in an essential expansion of Northern Ireland’s capacity.

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.

But it’s warned that delays to grid connections are liming the charging options for existing EV drivers and reducing the confidence of other drivers in the EV transition.

It’s calling for a faster scale-up of charging infrastructure to meet the UK government’s target of 300,000 public charge points by 2030, and support the phase-out of new petrol and diesel vehicles.

Tom Hurst, UK and Ireland country director at Fastned, said: “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.

“This hub is not only a game-changer for Northern Ireland’s EV drivers, but it marks our first step into the country. We’re excited to see what’s next and to work with others to improve availability of charging infrastructure in the country.”

Mark McCall, chair at Electric Vehicle Association Northern Ireland, commented: “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.”