350kW-ready fast charging station opens in Sunderland

European charging company Fastned has opened the UK's first 350 kW fast charging station, which is located near Sunderland and uses only renewable electricity from the sun or wind.

Built and operated by Fastned, the charging station is owned by the North East Joint Transport Committee and funded through the Go Ultra Low Cities Grant and the European Regional Development Fund. The station is centrally located on West Wear Street, which is one of Sunderland’s busiest central routes. Last month Fastned 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.

Fastned currently has over 90 stations in the Netherlands, Germany and the United Kingdom. Fastned is also expanding to Belgium, Switzerland and France.

Councillor Graeme Miller, Leader of Sunderland City Council: “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. And it’s also very good news for the electric drivers in this region. The stations can provide electric freedom and ease of travelling for local commuters, commercial fleets, and travellers passing through the region.”

Charging at the station in Sunderland will initially be free until the payment system is activated at some point in 2019. Charging and paying will then be possible with a EV charge card, debit/credit card, Apple Pay and Android Pay. Later in the year it will also be possible to charge with the Fastned App, making automatic charging (Autocharge) possible in the United Kingdom for the first time.