New rapid charging hub for EVs opens in Milton Keynes

Operating a fleet of electric vehicles (EVs) in Milton Keynes has become a lot easier following the introduction of a new rapid charging hub that has opened in the town.

The new hub is located within a minute from junction 14 of the M1, just off junction 14 at Milton Keynes Coachway.

Milton Keynes Council, with its contractors Ringway designed and constructed the hub as part of its Go Ultra Low City programme.

Funding for the project came from the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV), as part of a £9m investment package to support the growth of electric vehicles in Milton Keynes.

Brian Matthews, head of transport innovation at Milton Keynes Council, said: “We are very proud of this important new facility for electric vehicle drivers, both in Milton Keynes and those passing on a longer journey.

"The rapid charging hub is just one of the ways in which we are supporting electric vehicle drivers in Milton Keynes, with other initiatives including free parking with a Green Permit in most car parks, and our pledge to provide local charging points for residents who do not have off-street parking.”

The EV hub is operated by BP Chargemaster, using its Polar network and features eight 50kW rapid chargers, supporting all standards of EV rapid charging.

Three highly-visible canopies help drivers locate the rapid chargers, as well as shelter them from inclement weather.

David Martell, chief executive of BP Chargemaster, said: “We are delighted to be operating what is now the UK’s largest universal rapid charging hub, providing a fantastic, convenient place to charge for drivers travelling within and around Milton Keynes.

"The eight UK-made Ultracharge rapid chargers join the 300 Fastcharge and 65 rapid chargers that we already operate in the area, which has established itself as a centre of excellence for electric vehicle charging infrastructure.”