EV Charge Points Installed Along 1,100 Km Of UK Roads

Drivers of electric-powered vehicles can now benefit from the completion of a new 1,100 km (683 mile) charging network, installed across the British Isles by Rapid Charge Network.

In total, there are 74 state-of-the-art rapid chargers, capable of “filling up” a typical electric vehicle’s battery to 80% in less than 30 min, which in turn makes long-distance, cross-border journeys more accessible for EV drivers.

Not only does the Rapid Charge Network cover over 1,100 km’s worth of popular motorways and dual carriageways, it also connects busy transport hubs such as airports and ferry ports, allowing drivers to take their EVs onto routes in mainland Europe as well.

Ben Fletcher, EV product manager at Renault UK said that “Electric vehicle sales are rising strongly as vehicle technologies and the nationwide charging infrastructure take major strides forward, facilitating cost-effective local and long-distance motoring. Investments like the Rapid Charge Network are vital for maintaining the momentum and encouraging more motorists to go electric.”

This massive €7.4 million project was part-funded by the European Union’s Trans European Transport Network program and by four major EV manufacturers: Nissan, BMW, Renault and VW, together with ESB – Ireland’s largest energy company.

The UK and Ireland’s Rapid Charge Network is part of a larger pan-European investment of €26.3 million that spans the following regions: Austria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Bavaria, Zagreb (Central European Green Corridors), France (Corri-Door), Denmark, Sweden, Germany (Greening-NEAR) and of course UK & Ireland (Rapid Charge Network).

The goal set by the European Union is a 40% reduction in all greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990 levels, by the year 2030.