Fuel and forecourt retailer Circle K has confirmed that it's making a €7 million investment to install its own-brand electric car chargers at 30 locations across Ireland.
Circle K already has two locations with its charging points - at Junction 5, off the M9 near Rathcrogue, Co. Carlow and at Junction 14, on the M8, at Gortore near Fermoy, Co. Cork.
Chargers with 150kW capacity
These locations get massively powerful 300kW chargers, but the rest of the new charging points - all to be installed by the end of 2025, apparently - will be 150kW units, which in fairness, is probably more reflective of the fast-charging abilities of most cars.
Commenting on the launch, Gordon Lawlor, Managing Director of Circle K Ireland, said: "We are delighted to be launching our new network of Circle K EV chargers, which will add to our existing EV charging offering provided through our partnerships with the ESB, IONITY and Tesla. Today's announcement builds on our existing EV offering and confirms our ambition to support Irish motorists in their transition to electric vehicles, helping support the Government's EV targets. We are excited to introduce our new high-speed, reliable, strategically placed charging points and look forward to welcoming customers to our locations."
Extremely focused on EVs
"EV is something we have been extremely focussed on for a number of years. Being part of the Circle K global network means we have access to the very latest thinking and key developments on EV charging, especially from our colleagues in Norway who are leading the way in terms of electrification. This, coupled with our expertise locally, puts us in a very strong position to support our customers. We intend to use this expertise in the years ahead to continue adding chargers to our network."
Jonathan Diver, Senior Director of Fuels at Circle K Ireland, commented: "We understand the Government's goal is to reduce carbon emissions by 50 per cent by 2030 and we're committed to developing our business to support this, with EV playing a key role in achieving this target. We believe we have an important role to play in ensuring a smooth transition to EV usage in this country and plan to roll out a strategic network of EV chargers over the next seven years across Ireland."
Easy access to charging facilities
Speaking at the launch of Circle K's new own brand EV chargers, Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications and Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan TD, said: "It is great to be here at the launch of Circle K's new network of EV chargers. Ensuring motorists have easy access to charging facilities across the country will play a key role in our transition away from internal combustion engine vehicles. Today's announcement will support the Government's goal of rapidly increasing the number of publicly accessible chargers across Ireland and will help to give even more motorists the confidence to make the switch to an electric vehicle."