Dutch firm opens 350kW fast charging station in Sunderland

A 350kW-ready fast charging station has been opened in Sunderland today (16 April) by Amsterdam-based charging company Fastned.

The West Wear Street station is designed, built and operated by Fastned and is owned by the North East Joint Transport Committee and funded through the Go Ultra Low Cities Grant and the European Regional Development Fund.

Last month Fastned, which has stations across Europe, announced it had won another tender for five locations for fast-charging stations in the North East of England, organised by the North East Joined Transport Committee.

Michiel Langezaal, co-founder and chief executive of Fastned, said: “We are pleased to have built this fast charging station where FEV’s [fully electric vehicles] can charge up to 350kW in the United Kingdom in cooperation with the North East Joint Transport Committee.

“Sunderland is a symbolic city for electric driving, since the factory where the Nissan Leaf is produced is located here.”

Councillor Martin Gannon, chair of the North East Transport Committee, added: “This is a tremendous asset for the North East.

“With another fast charging station under construction and five more smaller stations planned, we are making it easier for motorists who already drive electric vehicles and those who want to go green and make the switch to a more sustainable form of transport.”

Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “As host to the UK’s first purpose-built high-power fast charging station, Sunderland continues to lead the way in the electromobility industry.

“Along with other private and public charge-point developments currently underway, these rapid charging stations will help further establish the North East of England as a leader in electric mobility.

“The stations can provide electric freedom and ease of travelling for local commuters, commercial fleets, and travellers passing through the region.”