The Netherlands-based plug-in electric vehicle charging solutions firm Fastned has won a tender from the UK’s North East Combined Authority (NECA) that leaves it to build two new fast-charging stations in the region — one slated for Newcastle and one for Sunderland.
The two electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging stations will each play host to 6 charging points, according to an email sent to CleanTechnica. Two of the charging points at the Newcastle location will be “the latest 175 kW (and 350 kW enabled) chargers.”
What that means is that owners of plug-in electric vehicles in the region who are capable of charging speeds that high will now have an option to utilize that capability, which should represent quite a time saver.
The email sent to CleanTechnica provides more: “As part of the agreement, Fastned will be collaborating closely with Newcastle University’s researchers to develop a greater understanding of the impact of EV charging on local electrical grids, and the potential roles for EVs and battery storage in the smart electrical grids of the future. At the same time, Fastned will 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 heart of the city responsible for manufacturing the world’s most successful EV: the Nissan Leaf.”
While these new EV fast-charging stations are being partly funded by various organizations — including the UK Government’s Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV), the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), and the UK Collaboratorium for Research in Infrastructure and Cities (UKCRIC) — they will still represent part of Fastned’s broader (self-developed) network of fast-charging stations.
Fastned is reportedly aiming to further develop its EV fast-charging network throughout the UK over the coming years. Plans for Greater London are already in the works.
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