SSE Energy Solutions has launched its first ultra-rapid EV charging hub amid plans to deliver 300 such hubs across the UK and Ireland in the next five years.

Located on Glasgow’s Castlebank Street, the six-bay EV charging hub provides ultra-rapid charging facilities of up to 150kW, powered by traceable, renewable energy.

It’s available for use by local fleets, taxi drivers and residents and could enable at least 60,000 charges a year, according to SSE.

The new hub spearheads the energy giant’s plans for a network of EV charging stations across the UK and Ireland, helping to meet increasing demands for EV infrastructure in the run-up to the 2030 ICE ban.

A recent report from the Climate Change Committee shows the rise of electric cars is outpacing UK Government growth projections, and that infrastructure deployment needs to accelerate to meet their target of 300,000 public charge points by 2030.

Kevin Welstead, EV sector director, SSE Energy Solutions, said: “It’s vital that we face the EV infrastructure challenge head on if we’re to meet the ambitious decarbonisation targets agreed in Glasgow, less than a year ago, at COP26. The opening of our first ultra-rapid charging hub represents a major milestone in that journey and we’re working quickly to build a network of easy-to-reach charging points that will serve communities and businesses across the UK and Ireland.

“The location on Castlebank Street will offer fast charging at a convenient location for local residents and fleets alike. We also hope this encourages those living nearby who can’t accommodate an EV charging point at their home or workplace to make the switch to an EV car or van knowing they have reliable charging facilities nearby.”

The Scottish Government has taken a clear stance that both private and public partnerships are proving increasingly key in the country’s transition to all-electric transportation and to drive charging network expansion.

Commenting on the new SSE hub, Minister for Transport Jenny Gilruth said: “Providing local communities with quick and easy access to electric vehicle charge points is vital and SSE’s Castlebank charging hub will do just that.

“The high-power charging facilities will provide further opportunities to help people realise the benefits of an electric vehicle. We want to see more private sector investment happening across Scotland in line with our draft vision for Scotland’s public charging network, so that we can grow the charging network at the scale and pace required to meet everyone’s needs.

“It’s great to see the leading role that SSE has taken on this with its new hub in Glasgow – and is particularly welcome news during Scotland’s Climate Week, as we all think about the actions we can and must take to respond to the global climate emergency.”