SSE Energy Solutions has inaugurated its first ultra-rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging hub in Ireland. The 10-bay facility located just off the M4 at Lough Sheever Corporate Park in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, was officially launched by Peter Burke TD, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Irish Government.
The Irish EV charging hub is part of SSE’s plan to build 300 ultra-rapid EV charging hubs powered by renewable energy in the UK and Ireland in the next five years, with several sites already open and more under construction.
Each ultra-rapid bay has charging capabilities of up to 150 kW, sufficient to deliver 12.5 kms of range per minute of charging. The facility is said to be specifically designed to accommodate electric heavy vehicles (eHGVs) as well.
The hub boasts four long wheelbase drive-through bays purpose built for eHGVs, making it the first site of its kind in Ireland, according to the energy infra company. “With the number of EVs on Irish roads growing quickly, the deployment of fast and reliable EV charging infrastructure is essential”, Sean O’Callaghan, Director – EV Operations, SSE.
“The launch of our first ultra-rapid charging hub in Ireland is proof that SSE will support the Irish Government’s ambitions to meet the demand for this infrastructure and this is just the beginning of our ambitions. We are working to build a network of easy-to-reach charging points that will serve communities across Ireland”, he added.
Over the coming months, SSE will inaugurate few more charging hubs at various Irish locations including Blanchardstown Business Park, Greenogue Industrial Estate (both County Dublin), and Ashbourne Retail Park (County Meath).
It is to be noted that SSE recently announced a joint venture with TotalEnergies under the brand ‘Source’ to establish a new EV charging infrastructure brand in the UK and Ireland.
The new business will deploy in both countries up to 3000 ultra-rapid charge points over the next five years and all existing SSE charging hubs will be rebranded as ‘Source’ in due course.