IONITY is a joint venture between Daimler, Ford, BMW and the Volkswagen Group with Audi and Porsche, that aims to increase the feasibility of EVs by establishing convenient High-Power Charging (HPC) sites across the continent. The first UK station equipped with four High Power chargers, each capable of charging up to 350kW and located in Maidstone (M20 Junction 8), will soon be joined by locations in Milton Keynes and Gretna Green.
IONITY’s Europe-wide charging network will see up to 2400 chargers installed by 2020. The network has been designed to enable pan-European travel, with a focus on ultra-fast charging times and convenient motorway locations. High Power Charging is widely regarded as essential to the increased adoption of electric vehicles, making long distance journeys far more viable than the much slower 50kW alternatives.
IONITY’s 350kW UK charging network is future-proofed, delivering infrastructure capable of charging times as low as eight minutes depending on the capacity of the vehicle’s battery, thus making e-mobility a convenient, reliable and everyday experience.
For all of its UK stations, IONITY is partnering with energy technology specialists Octopus Energy. Octopus Energy’s ‘Electric Juice’ will provide every charge point with 100 percent renewable energy. The Maidstone site is launched in partnership with Motor Fuel Group, the largest independent forecourt operator in the UK.
Michael Hajesch, CEO, IONITY said, “We are delighted to be launching our network in the UK with our first station in Maidstone. As car manufacturers continue to launch electric vehicles with bigger batteries to provide a longer range, High Power charging is an essential part of the e-mobility transition process thus making the e-journey a smooth and seamless experience. We are passionate about making e-mobility a reality, with drivers already taking advantage of our convenient stations across Europe.”
Zoisa Walton, Director, Octopus Energy for Business, added, “We are committed to bringing a fundamental change to the UK’s EV landscape. By improving the affordability, practicality, convenience and green credentials of e-mobility options, IONITY and Octopus Energy are
making EV ownership more accessible.”
