Fastned to build five fast EV charging hubs across North East

EV charge point company, Fastned, will build and operate five fast charging hubs across the North East, following a successful bid to the North East Joined Transport Committee.

Each station will initially house two 50 kW fast chargers, and will be built in Gateshead, Bluth, Whitley Bay, Washington, and Kingston Park.

Fastned’s network currently consists of 88 stations in the Netherlands and Germany and two other stations are currently under development in Newcastle and Sunderland as part of the Go Ultra Low NE programme.

Michiel Langezaal, CEO Fastned: ‘Fastned was founded to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles, so we are pleased we can start offering fast charging infrastructure in the North East of England.

‘Long range affordable electric cars in combination with reliable fast charging infrastructure will make fully electric vehicles just as practical as cars with internal combustion engines.

‘Fastned has the ambition to build a European network of 1000 fast charging stations and aims to build more fast charging stations in the UK.’

Cllr Martin Gannon, Chair of the North East Joint Transport Committee and Leader of Gateshead Council: ‘The five rapid charging hubs will help further establish the North East of England as a leader in electric mobility and are very good news for electric drivers in our region.

‘The hubs can provide electric freedom and ease of travelling for local commuters, commercial fleets, and travellers passing through the region.’

The project is co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the UK Government’s Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV).

Earlier this week, four £20,000 grants were made available for businesses in the North East who come up with ways that increase the uptake of electric vehicles.

As part of the Go Ultra Low North East campaign, local businesses are invited to apply to The Electric Vehicle Innovation Accelerator and successful applicants will receive intensive business support along with an opportunity to win a £20,000 grant to help bring their idea to market.