European rapid charging firm Fastned has applied for planning permission for two 300kW ultra-rapid charging stations in Banbridge and Antrim.

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The new stations will mark the firm’s entry into Northern Ireland and support the country’s transition to sustainable mobility. Registrations of fully electric cars in Northern Ireland jumped almost 50% in August, compared to the same month last year.

The hubs, featuring Fastned’s standout solar canopies, will be supplied with 100% renewable energy and will be able to provide up to 300 miles of range in 20 minutes.

Fastned’s Banbridge station site is located on the A1 while the Antrim station site will bring ultra-rapid charging to areas north of Belfast – both sites will have 12 ultra-rapid charging points.

Tom Hurst, UK country manager at Fastned, said: “Making it easier for EV drivers to get around is what we do at Fastned, so we’re excited and proud to have our first planning applications in Northern Ireland submitted. We’re committed to providing freedom for electric drivers across the country, and are always on the lookout for more sites. Our Banbridge and Antrim stations are just the beginning.”

Fastned’s new rapid charging station in Colchester is its first in Essex

Mark McCall, co-founding director and chair at the EV Association for Northern Ireland, added: “We are delighted to welcome Fastned to Northern Ireland. Its ultra-rapid chargers, with its signature solar canopies, will be a major boost for EV drivers in the region. Fastned offers some of the fastest chargers available, and it will allow EV drivers to top up their batteries in just a few minutes. This will make it even easier and more convenient to drive an electric vehicle in Northern Ireland.”

Fastned has over 280 charging stations across Europe and 18 stations in the UK to date. These include its newly opened 300kW hub at Colchester Northern Gateway Leisure Park, just off the A12, which is its first site in Essex.

Fastned was also ranked the best rapid charge point operator in the UK in Zapmap’s new satisfaction ratings published this month, after coming joint first in 2022.