Hamilton is leading the charge
Scotland’s biggest ultra-rapid charging station for electrical vehicles has opened up at the Palace Grounds Retail Park in Hamilton.
The new station is Fastned’s tenth in the UK and latest in Scotland, and is located just off the A72 near the M74.
The station comprises eight chargers, each of which is supplied by 100 per cent renewable energy, and is capable of adding up to 300 miles of range to fully-electric cars in 20 minutes.
The station was part-funded by the Scottish Government’s Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme – supported through the European Regional Development Programme.
A visible solar canopy helps EV drivers to locate the site and stay dry while charging.
The investment supports the Scottish Government’s commitment to phase out the need for new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030 – which will improve air quality and respond to the climate emergency through decarbonisation.
Transport Minister Jenny Gilruth MSP said: “I’m pleased to open Scotland’s biggest ultra-rapid charging station and welcome the commitment shown by Fastned to support our transition to electric vehicles.
“Through our draft vision for the public electric vehicle charging network, we’ve outlined that public and private sector partnerships will be key in attracting investment and scaling provision at pace.
“This new station from Fastned, with its striking design and powered by renewable energy, is a fantastic example of what can be delivered by industry.
“Scotland is very much at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution and we are seeing impressive growth in uptake.
“We want to ensure that the public electric vehicle charging network keeps up with demand to meet the needs of people and businesses across the whole of Scotland.
“Companies like Fastned will have an increasingly important role to play in delivering our Net Zero ambition. Its hub in Hamilton is a fantastic example of what can be done to further encourage people to realise the benefits of driving an electric vehicle.”