Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Infrastructure and TechnologyLatestNews

IONITY opens large EV charging site in Sunderland

 
Twelve advanced ultra-rapid 350kW charging bays have been opened at a retail park in Sunderland by charge point operator IONITY.

The site is located at regeneration and property development specialist Adderstone Group’s Wessington Retail Park and can be used by all vehicle models.

Bays allow EV drivers to recharge quickly and efficiently with the average fuelling time at IONITY’s chargers just 23 minutes.
 
The move is part of an investment strategy by IONITY to deliver a UK wide publicly accessible superfast charging network for electric vehicles.
 
Strategically positioned on Wessington Way, alongside McDonald’s, KFC, The Pet Superstore and the soon-to-open True Padel Centre, the hub aims to assist current EV drivers in the North East and local families making the switch to emission-free vehicles. 
 
Sunderland is also enhancing its connectivity with the development of the International Advanced Manufacturing Strategic Site (IAMSS), which is anchored by the Nissan factory, one of the largest car manufacturing facilities in the UK.
 
Andreas Atkins, IONITY’s country manager for the UK and Ireland, said:
 
“We are thrilled the latest and largest high-power EV charging site in the region is now online at Wessington Retail Park, Sunderland. The site not only supports the growing demand for ultra-rapid charging, but also integrates seamlessly with popular local amenities.

“This makes it a convenient and attractive stop for EV drivers and the public alike, enhancing the overall experience for visitors.”
 
Adderstone Group at Wessington Retail Park CEO Ian Baggett, said:

“With more than 100,000 electric cars manufactured in Sunderland each year and only a couple of hundred charging points, we figured they might need a few more.”

Councillor Lindsey Leonard, cabinet member for environment and net zero at Sunderland City Council, said:

“Sunderland has set out ambitious goals to accelerate our journey towards a low carbon future. High-power charging points like those now in place at Wessington Way will do a great deal to reassure motorists thinking of making the move to an EV.

“We’re thrilled to see this provision become available in such an accessible part of Sunderland and we’re sure it will be very well-used.”

Image courtesy of IONITY (l-r) Richard Phillips, Adderstone; Cllr Lindsey Leonard, Sunderland Council Portfolio Holder for Environment, Transport & Net Zero; Ben Wilkinson, Local Business Development Manager, BMW; Kate Grant, Adderstone; and Grant Murray, Rollout Manager, IONITY.

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