Moto opens ultra-rapid EV charging site in Rugby

An ultra-rapid charging site featuring 24 electric vehicle charging points is being opened by motorway service area giant Moto in Rugby today (30 April).

The ultra-rapid 350kW direct current (DC) chargers, which are made up of 12 Tesla & 12 Electric Highway, will have the capability to add up to 100 miles of range in less than five minutes and will accept contactless payment.

According to the company, the Rugby site represents a landmark moment for EV across the UK motorway networks and is a major milestone in Moto’s commitment to encourage more sustainable motoring.

Twenty eight Moto sites are set to have ultra-rapid chargers by the end of this year and the company is aiming to have all of its services installed with at least six ultra-rapid chargers by the end of 2022, as part of a long-term, +£100 million investment programme.

This includes an upgrade to all existing 50kW chargers by the end of July 2021, to ensure greater charging power ahead of the expected increased ‘staycation’ traffic.

Following the blueprint of the new Rugby site, Moto is planning a further 24 ultra-rapid charger locations at Reading, Thurrock, and Exeter by the end of 2021.

Moto predicts that by 2030 as many as three in 10 drivers could be pulling into motorway service areas in an electric vehicle.

Ken McMeikan, Chief Executive of Moto, said: “Moto is committed to sustainable motoring and we want to play a key part in encouraging more people to have the confidence to switch into electric vehicles. Rugby Services is the most significant first step in achieving this and we’re proud to be launching the UK’s largest EV charging site.

“Our vision is to transform the UK’s rest stop experience and we think motorists will be delighted with the new Moto site at Rugby, particularly as they begin travelling again following easing of COVID-19 restrictions to see family, friends and loved ones.”

Dale Vince, Founder of the Electric Highway, added: “Moto is a founding partner of the Electric Highway and this is our first ultra-rapid installation, which comes at a tipping point in the adoption of electric vehicles. The installation comes at the beginning of a new partnership with GRIDSERVE, which kickstarts a comprehensive programme where these installations will become ubiquitous across all Moto services, helping to make the experience of using an electric car no different to using a fossil-powered one.”

Image courtesy of Moto.

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