Located at The Boulevard shopping centre in Banbridge, the ultra-rapid 400kW hub is a key milestone in addressing the region’s need for faster charging infrastructure.

The hub, Fastned’s largest in the UK, features 12 charging bays, offering up to 100 miles of range in just five minutes, all powered by 100 percent renewable energy. Fastned also plans to open a similar hub in Antrim by March. The company has identified Northern Ireland as a crucial growth area, given the rising demand from the region’s growing number of electric vehicle (EV) drivers. Currently, ultra-rapid chargers account for only 4.5 percent of the network, with just 687 charges in total.

Fastned’s goal is to “accelerate the electric transition” and provide more charging options for Northern Ireland’s nearly 23 thousand EV drivers. However, the company notes that expanding ultra-rapid infrastructure is challenging due to the high-capacity grid connections required and the lengthy process of securing them.

The company has also emphasised the need for a quicker rollout of charging stations to meet the UK government’s goal of 300 thousand charge points by 2030. Tom Hurst, Fastned’s UK and Ireland country director, stated that “Northern Ireland is in desperate need of reliable ultra-rapid charging infrastructure. That’s why we’re proud and excited to be opening our biggest and best charging hub in Banbridge. This hub is a game-changer for EV drivers and marks our first step into the region”.

Mark McCall, chair of the Electric Vehicle Association Northern Ireland (EVANI) explained that "This hub will provide a super-fast boost for travellers between Belfast and Dublin. Expanding fast, reliable charging infrastructure makes it easier for EV drivers to travel long distances, helping create a cleaner, more sustainable future”.

This new hub is Fastned’s first since 2019 to feature a drive-thru format, providing a vital charging point for those travelling between Belfast and Dublin.