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 structure 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 Avenue, which varieties a part of Aberdeen’s internal metropolis ring highway, the charging hub will reuse the Grampian Home warehouse. Fastned mentioned it plans to put in the charging hub throughout the present construction to maintain drivers sheltered from the wind and rain whereas they cost. Photo voltaic panels might be put in on the prevailing roof to generate clear power that may present energy for the positioning’s amenities.
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, mentioned 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 strategy to EV charging, and it has by no means been accomplished earlier than within the UK,” mentioned an announcement from the group. “It drastically reduces the event’s environmental influence 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 could have twelve ultra-rapid charging bays, providing drivers as much as 100 miles of vary in 5 minutes from 400kW chargers. A store, bogs and seating space might be obtainable contained in the constructing to maintain drivers comfy whereas they cost.
The hub will use the drive-thru format, just like that present in petrol stations, a typical 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 power transition”, Tom Hurst, UK Nation Director at Fastned, mentioned: “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 deliver 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 attainable in an city atmosphere 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, mentioned: “This proposal is sweet for the town – we want folks to make the swap to electrical vehicles and the one method that may occur at scale is that if there are a lot of extra charging factors obtainable. Our metropolis has lengthy been a metropolis of power innovation, and this proposal from Fastned is one more instance of how we will construct a extra sustainable future by repurposing present infrastructure.”
* The ultra-rapid designation generally applies to something above 150kW
