Weev targets charging with £20m investment in Northern Ireland

Belfast-based startup Weev is planning to invest £20 million in a new public charging network for electric vehicles at over 350 locations across Northern Ireland.

With the investment of the equivalent of 23.7 million euros, the company aims to install a total of 1,500 new charging points at strategic locations such as car parks, as well as six fast-charging hubs by the end of 2024.

Weev is aiming to install the first charging points by mid-2022 before fully completing the network by the end of 2024. The company will additionally offer EV managed fleet solutions and leasing.

The company says that it will address the lack of charging infrastructure in Northern Ireland. So far, the startup has not revealed more about the number or constellation of AC and DC fast-charging but in announcing the news, Weev revealed a Tritium with Weev colours and logo. Tritium specialises in fast-charging columns.

The company was founded by Thomas O’Hagan, who has worked in the renewable energy sector and also co-founded the IT and telecommunications company b4b Group. At Weev he takes on the role of chief commercial officer, CEO is Philip Rainey, CFO is Graeme Thompson.

Thomas O’Hagan said that the company is delighted to have pulled together a strong team to achieve its network plans. “With the current situation around fuel prices, consumers are now thinking seriously about the switch to an EV, but they need to make that switch knowing that their charging requirements will be met should they need it on any given journey.”

Mark McCall from Electric Vehicle Association Northern Ireland (EVANI) added: “We have been lobbying to create an environment that was investible for commercial operators to bring new public charging infrastructure to Northern Ireland. We are delighted that Weev has stepped forward to help make this happen.” McCall said that EV drivers in Northern Ireland have been “crying out for action and we are really looking forward to seeing the progress the company makes with its planned rollout.”

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