Fastned expands charging network in Northern Ireland

Fastned's latest fast charging hub has just opened in Antrim in Northern Ireland. It marks the second major investment in the region by the firm, which also unveiled another charging hub in Banbridge in February.

The new drive-thru style charging hub features three 400kW Hypercharger HYC400s with six charging bays – although Fastned claims it has capacity to expand this to 12 in future. As with Fastned’s Banbridge charging station – which opened in February – the Antrim hub features a solar-powered roof canopy above the chargers. It’s located at the Junction Retail & Leisure Park, which features a number of restaurants and shops for customers to use while their vehicle charges.

Fastned states that fast chargers account for less than 5 per cent of the six counties’ 687 public chargers. As a result, the company says that it has now invested a total of £3m (€3.5m) in its northern Ireland charging locations, and hopes to grow this further.

Tom Hurst, UK and Ireland Country Director at Fastned, said: “We’re delighted to open our second ultra-rapid charging station in Northern Ireland. With the Antrim hub, we are continuing to provide drivers with reliable, fast and renewable charging options, helping to build confidence in the EV transition. Northern Ireland has huge potential for EV growth and we’re committed to expanding further to meet the rising demand for clean, convenient transport.”

Fastned operates several other fast charging sites across the UK, with 27 charging hubs located as far as Cornwall and Scotland. These are comprised of 151 fast chargers, which the company claims can provide 300 miles of range in 20 minutes.

fastned.com