The race to dominate the UK’s ultra-rapid charging scene continues apace, with Ionity, the operator founded by BMW, Ford, Hyundai, Mercedes and Volkswagen, now having 700 devices capable of delivering electricity at 350kW+.
The fastest classification of chargepoint is the ‘ultra-rapid’ type, defined as a charger capable of delivering power at at least 150kW, depending on grid capacity and how many cars are plugged in at once – though many devices are future-proofed to exceed that speed.
Ionity’s 700th ultra-ultra rapid charger was installed in Strathclyde, and the firm has set 400 UK chargers capable of delivering 350kW+ live in the last 12 months. The company says it now operates a third of all such devices in the UK.
But while high charging speeds grab headlines, research indicates they are not so good for EV-battery longevity. Similarly, many ultra-rapid operators struggle to turn a profit, while the government is focussing its efforts on the roll-out of slower, on-street devices aimed at those who are unable to charge at home, and has dedicated £200m (matched by private investment) to support these.
