Fastned wins tender for rapid-charging stations in UK
Dutch infrastructure provider Fastned has placed a successful bid to install two rapid-charging stations in the UK. Both Newcastle and Sunderland will benefit from 6 charge stops each, with some getting ready for ultra-fast charging.
The tender was from the North East Combined Authority (NECA) and Newcastle University to install two fast charging stations in the city centres of Newcastle and Sunderland. The ‘Go Ultra Low Filling Stations’ will allow multiple electric vehicles to charge fast using any charging standard.
Each station will host six fast chargers, dubbed “rapid” chargers in the UK, with two of those at Newcastle University being enabled for charging with 175kW, and possibly 350kW. Those high power chargers will then charge an electric car within ten minutes for an extra 125 mile range. Both stations are covered with solar panels forming a canopy.
However, the agreement includes research activities as well. Fastned will be working with Newcastle University’s researchers to develop a better understanding of the impact of EV charging on local grids, and the potential roles for EVs and battery storage in future smart grids. Fastned will also work with NECA to research and understand business models for electric vehicle infrastructure in the region.
The Newcastle station will be located within the Newcastle University’s Newcastle Helix site, while the Sunderland station will be located near the city centre, the same town where the Nissan Leaf is being made. Design, construction and operation of the rapid charging stations will be with Fastned.
The project is co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the UK Collaboratorium for Research in Infrastructure and Cities (UKCRIC), and the UK Government’s Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV).
The Dutch company says it wants to build many more multi-charger stations in the UK over the next three years. In 2017 Fastned also won a tender with Transport for London (TfL). TfL is currently in the process of developing sites and making them available for Fastned and four other selected parties to bid for.
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