SSE Energy Solutions opens EV charging hub in Glasgow

SSE Energy Solutions has opened its first ultra-rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging hub, as part of a new initiative to deliver 300 hubs across the UK and Ireland within the next five years.

Located on Glasgow’s Castlebank Street, the six-bay EV charging hub is powered by traceable, renewable energy. The site is designed to make it easier for EV drivers to charge their cars on the go, as well as serving local fleets and residents. 

SSE Energy Solutions estimates at least 60,000 charges could take place at the hub each year, which aims to accommodate domestic vehicles, fleet drivers and taxis. The hub features ultra-rapid charging facilities of up to 150kW.

Kevin Welstead, EV sector director at SSE Energy Solutions, said: “It’s vital that we face the EV infrastructure challenge head on if we’re to meet the ambitious decarbonisation targets agreed in Glasgow, less than a year ago, at COP26.

“The opening of our first ultra-rapid charging hub represents a major milestone in that journey and we’re working quickly to build a network of easy-to-reach charging points that will serve communities and businesses across the UK and Ireland.”

Minister for Transport, Jenny Gilruth MSP, added: “Providing local communities with quick and easy access to electric vehicle charge points is vital and SSE’s Castlebank charging hub will do just that.

 “The high-power charging facilities will provide further opportunities to help people realise the benefits of an electric vehicle. We want to see more private sector investment happening across Scotland in line with our draft vision for Scotland’s public charging network, so that we can grow the charging network at the scale and pace required to meet everyone’s needs.

 “It’s great to see the leading role that SSE has taken on this with its new hub in Glasgow – and is particularly welcome news during Scotland’s Climate Week, as we all think about the actions we can and must take to respond to the global climate emergency.”