Newcastle pit stop re-charges nationwide EV rally
Fastned’s ultra-rapid charging hub in Newcastle proudly hosted the Greenfleet ‘Mythbusters’ EV Rally, serving as the event’s mid-checkpoint, where drivers made a pit stop to recharge during the five-day endurance challenge.
Taking place from 7–11 September, the rally sees teams tackle the UK’s trunk roads, motorways and rural routes, completing a series of daily checkpoint challenges along the way.
Now in its sixth year, the Greenfleet ‘Mythbusters’ EV Rally covers more than 1,000 miles putting electric vehicles and charging infrastructure to the test in real-world conditions. The teams will tackle misconceptions around everything from EV range and charging to cost, reliability and performance, and demonstrating what electric vehicles are really capable of on the road.
Colin Boyton, EV Rally Event Manager:
“We’re truly excited to welcome back our Checkpoint Hat-Trick Heroes, Fastned. Huge thanks to Tom Hurst and the team for once again supporting the Rally. I have said it before and will say it again… They're the ‘Ronseal’ of EV charging, in my opinion, as their chargers ‘do exactly what they say on the tin’! And if previous Fastned experiences are anything to go by, the Teams this year will once again get to ‘energise’ thanks to some superb Fastned hospitality, and get their vehicles ready for the journey back south, on Day 4.
“Welcome back Fastned, thanks for your support.”
The 17 teams taking part in the event, including BMW, MINI, Kwik Fit and The AA, stopped at Fastned’s hub, where they were greeted with pizza and little electric music to help them recharge and get back on their journey, as they aim to complete a country-wide rally, which began in Exeter and will finish at Twickenham Stadium.
Tom Hurst, UK Country Director at Fastned, adds: “We’re delighted to host a checkpoint for the Greenfleet ‘Mythbusters’ EV Rally. The rally is a fantastic way to showcase what EVs can really achieve on long-distance journeys. It also demonstrates the difference reliable, ultra-rapid charging can make. It’s a real highlight in our calendar, so we’re offering free charging to everyone taking part.
“With so many misconceptions still surrounding EVs, this year’s rally is particularly important, and we thoroughly enjoyed welcoming the teams to our Newcastle Airport hub, where they could recharge their cars and get ready for the next leg.”
On 9 September, teams headed north from Warrington towards Newcastle, taking in the changing landscapes of northern England before arriving in the North East, where the route brings drivers past Durham and the iconic Angel of the North before crossing the River Tyne and heading towards Newcastle Airport for the rally’s midpoint celebration at Fastned’s ultra-rapid charging hub.
Just a short drive from the terminal and next to Callerton Metro station, Fastned’s hub is ideally located for airport passengers, local residents, taxi drivers and business fleets. The hub features 12 charging bays, each capable of delivering up to 400kW, meaning drivers can add around 100 miles of range in as little as five minutes.
Fastned operates 13 sites in the North East area alone, and 41 in total across the UK, offering fast, reliable ultra-rapid charging powered by 100% renewable energy. As more drivers embrace electric travel, Fastned is expanding its network of safe, easy-to-use and comfortable charging hubs, helping communities and visitors travel further with confidence.
Designed with accessibility and convenience in mind, Fastned hubs feature extra-wide bays, suspended charging cables and distinctive canopies, with selected sites also offering drive-through bays and amenities such as toilets, refreshments and nearby food options.
