EV charging operator Fastned has submitted a planning software to Aberdeen Metropolis Council for what it says would be the UK’s first indoor, ultra-rapid* EV charging hub, that includes 400kW chargers and a drive-through format inside a transformed warehouse.
The situation of the charging hub inside one of many metropolis’s warehouses demonstrates what appears to be a UK first, within the repurposing of a constructing for EV charging (though related developments have appeared elsewhere in Europe and Asia).
Positioned off Virginia Road, which varieties a part of Aberdeen’s inside metropolis ring street, the charging hub will reuse the Grampian Home warehouse. Fastned stated it plans to put in the charging hub inside the current construction to maintain drivers sheltered from the wind and rain whereas they cost. Photo voltaic panels might be put in on the present roof to generate clear vitality that may present energy for the positioning’s services.
This central location will make the charging hub simple to make use of for residents, companies and drivers journeying out and in of the town, stated the group. Fastned plans so as to add many city places for charging hubs to its portfolio, responding to what it suggests is a rising want for ultra-rapid charging in cities.
“This sustainable conversion is a model new method to EV charging, and it has by no means been carried out earlier than within the UK,” stated an announcement from the group. “It drastically reduces the event’s environmental impression whereas upgrading industrial land and bettering the shopper expertise. It demonstrates a transparent dedication to sustainability and the round economic system, whereas delivering state-of-the-art charging.”
The charging hub may have twelve ultra-rapid charging bays, providing drivers as much as 100 miles of vary in 5 minutes from 400kW chargers. A store, bathrooms and seating space might be accessible contained in the constructing to maintain drivers snug whereas they cost.
The hub will use the drive-thru format, just like that present in petrol stations, a regular for Fastned and different European charging operators. Though, once more, the looks of such a format indoors seems to be considerably novel.
Referencing the truth that Aberdeen “is on the coronary heart of Scotland’s vitality transition”, Tom Hurst, UK Nation Director at Fastned, stated: “This charging hub is ideal for the EV drivers of Aberdeen. We’re optimistic that the Metropolis Council will see the profit that the event will convey to the town and the way it suits in with its wider decarbonisation technique. This hub isn’t nearly EV charging, it’s about displaying what’s doable in an city surroundings whereas making a transparent dedication to a cleaner, greener metropolis. We’re trying ahead to listening to the ultimate choice and to working with the council to make this hub a actuality.”
Stephen Flynn, MP for Aberdeen South, stated: “This proposal is sweet for the town – we’d like folks to make the change to electrical vehicles and the one approach that may occur at scale is that if there are various extra charging factors accessible. Our metropolis has lengthy been a metropolis of vitality innovation, and this proposal from Fastned is yet one more instance of how we will construct a extra sustainable future by repurposing current infrastructure.”
* The ultra-rapid designation generally applies to something above 150kW
