FASTNED, which has been at the forefront of European electric vehicle charging infrastructure development since 2012, has applied for planning permission for two ultra-rapid (300 kW) 12-bay charging stations in Banbridge and Antrim.
The stations, the company's first in Northern Ireland, will be supplied with 100% renewable energy and allow drivers to add up to 300 miles of range in just 20 minutes.
Fastned’s proposed Banbridge station site on the A1 will have 12 ultra-rapid charging points, giving drivers range confidence on journeys between Belfast and Dublin.
The Antrim station site will bring ultra-rapid charging to areas north of Belfast, and will also have up to 12 charging points.
Tom Hurst, UK country manager for Fastned - which has 18 stations in the UK and 280 across Europe - said: “Making it easier for EV drivers to get around is what we do, 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.”
Northern Ireland recently saw almost a 50% increase in sales of fully-electric vehicles in August, compared to last year.
Mark McCall, co-founding director and chair at the EV Association for Northern Ireland (www.evani.uk), said: “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 minutes. It will make it even easier and more convenient to drive an electric vehicle in Northern Ireland.”
The unique yellow solar canopies that shelter each of the Fastned charging stations are aimed at making it easy for drivers to see the stations from the road, which means they don’t waste time looking for charging points and have the comfort and security of charging in a well-lit and covered space.
