Multi-million pound investment strengthens Northern Ireland’s electric vehicle charging network
Fastned, the UK and Europe’s best rated ultra-rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging company, opens Northern Ireland’s fastest EV charging hub in Banbridge, marking an important moment in NI’s essential need speed up charging capacity.
Belfast, 26 February 2025- Today Fastned, voted the UK’s best rated ultra-rapid charging network by What Car? and Zap Map, opens a brand new 400kW charging hub in Banbridge. This multimillion-pound investment adds to the already low number of ultra-rapid chargers in Northern Ireland.
Fastned’s brand new ultra-rapid (400kW) charging hub in Banbridge is now Northern Ireland’s fastest charging hub and the company’s first in the region. Twelve charging bays will offer electric drivers up to 100 miles of charge in 5 minutes, using 100% renewable energy. Fastned will open its second charging hub in Antrim later in March with a similar offering.
Fastned has invested over three million pounds in the purchase and development of the Banbridge and Antrim charging hubs, identifying Northern Ireland as a key growth area due to increasing demand from EV drivers.
Currently ultra-rapid charging accounts for just 4.5% of the country’s network which totals only 687 chargers. Fastned is on a mission to accelerate the electric transition in the UK and Europe and to provide more choice for NI’s almost 23,000 electric drivers.
Fastned can expand even further in the region if it becomes faster to connect to the power grid. But delays to rollout limit the charging options for existing EV drivers and reduce the confidence of other drivers in the EV transition. Ultra-rapid charging hubs require high-capacity grid connections, yet the time and process to secure these connections has created challenges for all charging providers. A faster scale up of charging infrastructure is needed to meet the UK government’s target of 300,000 by 2030, and support the phase out of new petrol and diesel vehicles.
Northern Ireland is in desperate need of reliable ultra-rapid charging infrastructure, that’s why we’re proud and excited to be opening our biggest and best charging hub in the UK, in Banbridge. This hub is not only a game-changer for Northern Ireland’s EV drivers, but it marks our first step into the region. We’re excited to see what’s next and to work with others to improve availability of charging infrastructure in the region.
The Electric Vehicle Association NI is delighted to welcome Fastned to the province with the opening of their new state-of-the-art facilities at Banbridge. With a prime position on our strategic road network, and ultra-rapid charging speeds, this hub will provide a super-fast boost for travellers on the route between Belfast and Dublin. Expanding access to fast, reliable charging infrastructure makes it even more convenient for electric vehicle drivers to travel far and wide, and is a key step toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.
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Notes to editors
About Banbridge charging hub
Fastned’s Banbridge charging hub is located just off the A1, south of Banbridge, at the entrance to The Boulevard. It is Fastned’s biggest charging hub in the UK and its first since 2019 in a drive-thru format, which makes it quicker and easier for drivers to get to a charger. This charging hub will be an important lifeline for EV drivers travelling to and from Belfast and towards Dublin. Fastned now operates 31 charging hubs across its UK network, and 347 across six European countries.
About Fastned
Fastned is on a mission to accelerate the transition to electric mobility. Since 2012, we’ve been at the forefront of European charging infrastructure development, building and operating a rapidly growing network of iconic fast charging stations. Our yellow, nature-inspired stations create a welcoming environment for drivers during the 20 minutes it takes to charge up to 300 miles of range. By offering Europe’s most reliable, convenient and joyful charging experience, we aim to inspire millions to drive on solar and wind energy so that together we can curb climate change. Fastned is listed at Euronext Amsterdam (AMS: FAST) and is a certified B Corp.
In 2019, Fastned opened the UK’s first ultra-rapid charging hub in Sunderland. Its UK network spans from Cornwall to Fife and currently comprises 27 charging hubs, totalling 151 ultra-rapid chargers. Zapmap drivers voted Fastned the UK’s best ultra-rapid charging network for 2023 and 2024, and the best medium-sized ultra-rapid network for 2025.