Last updated on April 22nd, 2020 at 11:34 am
Ionity has a network of high power charging (HPC) stations across Europe, the latest makes its way to Gretna Green in Scotland – making it the country's fastest EV charging station. The company was formed as a joint venture between the BMW Group, Daimler AG, Ford Motor Company, the Volkswagen Group and Porsche AG.
With the ever-increasing popularity of EVs, Ionity has been rapidly expanding its 350kW charging network. Compatible cars, such as the Porsche Taycan, can use Ionity to charge their vehicles in less than 20 minutes. Better still, Octopus Energy, the supplier of said charging stations supplies electricity from 100% renewable sources.
The fact that HPC stations are spawning across Europe is a sign of growth; from car manufacturers offering bigger battery packs to companies such as Ionity providing a wider number of charging points for consumers to plug in their vehicles. Joined by Cllr. Campbell, Dumfries and Galloway Council Environment and Climate Champion and Colin Dugan, Motor Fuel Group’s (MFG) contract manager of the station, the opening of the new charging point in Scotland marked a step forward in the future of mobility in the country.
Alan Hutton, MFG’s Systems & Change Management Director said: “We are delighted to be extending our sustainable fuel offer to customers. The growth of the electric and hybrid vehicle market is an important part of the fuel mix going forward. MFG is determined to be at the forefront of this technology, satisfying this growing demand. The installation of these high-power chargers using renewable energy at MFG Gretna Green adds even greater momentum to the growing uptake of EV vehicles.”
The company's goal is to provide 2,400 chargers across Europe by 2020. According to Ionity and its partners, it'll provide drivers with the confidence and knowledge that they can do pan-European trips without having to waste too much time on recharging.
Currently, the Porsche Taycan has the highest input charge at 250kW. The car can charge up to around 80% in just under 15 minutes. As such, no car can currently utilise the full 350kW power that one of these HPC systems can provide. However, Ionity has set out to future-proof its chargers as there are bound to be cars in 2020 and beyond that push past the fabled 250kW mark.
Minister of State for the Future of Transport, George Freeman MP, said: “The UK is in the vanguard of electrification of transport to reduce pollution. Through our Road to Zero Strategy we are funding major investment in vehicle charging infrastructure. Close collaboration with the private sector is crucial to achieving a zero-emission future and IONITY’s leadership is helping supercharge the UK’s charging infrastructure.”