Warp speed for Tyne and Wear charging points

Dutch electric vehicle infrastructure business Fastned, who are currently rolling out a fast electric vehicle (EV) charging network across Europe, have won a tender from the North East Combined Authority (NECA) and Newcastle University to provide charging points in Newcastle and Sunderland.

100 times faster

The ‘Go Ultra’ filling stations will allow EV’s of any make and model to charge as quickly as possible. Each station will house six rapid chargers with two at Newcastle University rated at 175kW (also 350kw enabled), capable of charging vehicles up to 100 times faster than home charging.

Through these installations, Fastned and Newcastle University hope to understand the impact of electrical charging points on local grids and the role for battery storage and EV’s on ‘smart’ grids. NECA will also explore business models for EV infrastructure. The project is being co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the UK Collaboratorium for Research in Infrastructure and Cities (UKCRIC), and the government’s Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV).

Energy expert view

“Charging time and range of charging points are key issues for electric vehicle use, so this rapid charging demonstrator project is very welcome, particularly if it leads to a wider rapid charging network in the region and across the UK.” Alastair Fells MEI, Incorporated Eng, PG Dip Fuel Tech, BSc Hons

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