DC fast charging manufacturer Kempower has partnered with Yunex Traffic to deliver infrastructure for a 100% renewables-powered charge site in Devon.
The chargers are located at the award-winning Strawberry Fields Farm Shop in Lifton, which commissioned the chargers as part of its long-standing commitment to sustainability.
The chargers, as well as the rest of Strawberry Fields’ operations, are powered by a combination of wind and solar power, which the owners began installing as early as 2011.
The company is now entirely self-sufficient, as it generates enough renewable energy to meet the power demands of running the site and the charging station.
Kempower supplied Strawberry Fields with two of its triple-cabinet Kempower Power Units, which deliver power to six Kempower Double Satellites, serving 12 bays with up to 300kW of fast charging each.
Yunex Traffic delivered the installation and project management, and will be providing ongoing service and maintenance to ensure high charger availability levels going forward.
Kempower’s DC charging technology is distributed, meaning the system is capable of balancing power between each satellite dispenser in real time, depending on the demand of each connected vehicle.
Vehicles with greater charging needs can receive more of the overall available power, meaning they can charge more quickly and efficiently and waiting times are minimised.
Situated just off the A30, a major tourist route into Devon and Cornwall, the chargers at Strawberry Fields are ready to serve the millions of annual holidaymakers travelling through the county.
Rolle Nieminen, Kempower’s Head of Sales for the UK & Ireland, said:
“As more people in the UK are choosing to drive EVs, reliable charging infrastructure is essential everywhere, not just in cities. Gone are the days when range anxiety made long drives across the country for staycations seem impossible – charging stations like Strawberry Fields’ in Lifton now make it realistic and easy for holidaymakers and locals alike to confidently make their journeys. It’s evidence that the EV charging industry’s vision for the infrastructure rollout is gradually being realised.”
Wilke Reints, Managing Director of Yunex Traffic in the UK, said:
“The breadth of our EVCI service provision capabilities continues to expand, and we are proud to support Strawberry Fields by delivering a sustainable and reliable EV charging experience.
“We worked closely with the Strawberry Fields team to fully understand their business and charger requirements, and delivered a tailored Kempower solution that meets their performance, capacity, and availability requirements.”
Laura Mounce, Operations Director at Strawberry Fields, said:
“We are thrilled to host this state-of-the-art charging station alongside our farm shop and restaurant at the gateway to Cornwall. Powered by renewable energy generated on site, our chargers offer visitors a fast, reliable, and greener way to recharge, complemented by excellent facilities for their stop-off. Open 24 hours a day and just minutes from the A30, we look forward to welcoming many travellers.”
