Drivers in Kent in the UK can now charge their electric cars in less than 20 minutes with renewable energy, thanks to Ionity’s 350kW charge network. Ionity is a joint venture between Daimler, Ford, BMW and the Volkswagen Group including Audi and Porsche, that aims to increase the feasibility of EVs by establishing convenient High-Power Charging (HPC) sites across the continent. The first UK station equipped with four High Power chargers, each capable of charging up to 350kW and located in Maidstone, will soon be joined by locations in Milton Keynes and Gretna Green. Ionity’s Europe-wide charging network will see up to 2400 chargers installed by 2020.
The network has been designed to enable pan-European travel, with a focus on ultra-fast charging times and convenient motorway locations. High Power Charging is widely regarded as essential to the increased adoption of electric vehicles, making long distance journeys far more viable than the much slower 50kW alternatives. With the latest generation of electric vehicles providing much improved performance, efficiency and comfort, the new network will ease range anxiety for existing and potential EV owners. The 350kW UK charging network is future-proofed, delivering infrastructure capable of charging times as low as 8 minutes depending on the capacity of the vehicle’s battery.
For all of its UK stations, Ionity is partnering with Octopus Energy to ensure the entire network is powered by renewable sources. Octopus Energy’s ‘Electric Juice’ will provide every charge point with 100% renewable energy, greatly reducing the environmental impact of a journey and providing peace of mind for environmentally conscious drivers. The Maidstone site is launched in partnership with Motor Fuel Group, the largest independent forecourt operator in the UK.
