A new ultra-rapid electric vehicle charging hub has opened in Leicester under Osprey Charging.

The hub has 12 ultra-rapid 300kW EV chargers, able to add up to 100 miles of range in around 15-20 minutes

The hub, located at Tesco Extra in Beaumont Leys, has 12 ultra-rapid 300kW EV chargers, able to add up to 100 miles of range in around 15-20 minutes of charge – enough time for drivers to do a spot of grocery shopping or grab a drink or bite to eat at Tesco’s in-store café.

The chargers have been designed for easy use and simple payment for drivers. They accept contactless bank cards, Apple/Google Pay, the Osprey App and RFID card payments as well as payments through all major third-party payment methods including fleet cards. Furthermore, Osprey’s in-house software, Osprey Iris, enables market-leading levels of reliability and innovation in EV roaming.

Osprey has funded this installation, operation and oversees maintenance of the chargers which are all supplied with renewable energy.

The new hub will support EV drivers and bolster the UK national EV charging infrastructure.

Ian Johnston, CEO of Osprey Charging, said: “The electric transition is well underway and we’re here to provide a reliable and rapid public charging service for drivers, from Cornwall to the Scottish Highlands. Osprey now has over 1000 charge points installed across the UK, each carefully designed to maximise space, accessibility and availability and made to the latest and highest standards. The new charging hub at Leicester’s Tesco Extra will form a vital part of the re-charging network that will enable the decarbonisation of transport in the UK.”

Work to ensure driver accessibility is also underway. An Osprey spokesperson said: “The hub at Tesco Extra in Leicester has been made live for drivers to charge at, but there are some site works still to be completed that will increase the accessibility for drivers. In particular, the bay markings will include 1.2m of cross-hatching between each bay, with the chargers located at the head of the hatching. Furthermore, the kerbs surrounding each charger will be dropped, and each of these changes will support greater maneuverability and access around the hub.”