The energy provider SSE Airtricity has unveiled big plans for a nationwide network of rapid electric vehicle chargers across Ireland.
The scheme will see the company invest €35 million in installing 30 ultra-rapid EV charging hubs around the country over the next four years, all of which, the firm says, will be powered by renewable energy.
16 sites by the end of 2024
At the launch of the initiative today (November 11), the company confirmed that the first of those hubs to open would be one at Lough Sheever Corporate Park in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, from next year. This will be followed (also next year) by two additional 10-bay hubs at Blanchardstown Business Park and Greenogue Industrial Estate in Dublin. The Mullingar location will be publicly accessible and designed to accommodate long-wheelbase vehicles and buses, as well as private cars and fleet vehicles.
SSE Airtricity expects six sites to be operational by the end of next year, with a further 10 due to come on stream in 2024. According to the company, each bay will support charging up to 150kW.
The firm's announcement follows from its commitment to install 300 rapid charging hubs across the UK and Ireland over the next five years, with the first of those hubs going live in Glasgow in September.
"Back on the move on in the shortest amount of time possible"
"At SSE, we have extensive experience in the development and rollout of EV charging infrastructure. From our network in the UK, we understand that when it comes to charging people just want to be back on the move on in the shortest amount of time possible," said SSE's Kevin Welstead, speaking at the launch.
"We're delighted to launch our first EV charging hubs in Ireland, and we're really excited about the network we are going to develop over the coming years. In building out this infrastructure, we want to ensure peace of mind for all EV drivers - domestic, car fleet, commercial - that when they show up at one of our facilities, they can plug in to a working, high power charger as soon as they arrive, and that they can be back on the move within the shortest amount of time possible."
Also commenting on the news was SEE Airtricity's managing director, Klair Neenan.
"SSE Airtricity has a long-standing commitment of delivering green energy and green energy solutions to our customers, and we're delighted to take that a step further with the announcement of the SSE Airtricity EV charging hubs," she said.
"With COP27 underway in Egypt, today's announcement is fitting as we renew our commitment to supporting Ireland's climate change targets and support Government's Climate Action Plan and EV transport targets."
Among the fastest in Ireland
SSE Airtricity's plans to roll out a network of 150kW chargers would put it among the operators of the fastest EV charging points in Ireland, on a par with Tesla's Supercharger network or the most rapid ESB E-Cars outlets. The fastest public chargers in the country, though, are those belonging to Ionity, which can charge up to 350kW at five locations on the motorway network around the country.