Longford Leader Motoring: Huge investment in high powered hubs

The Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Richard Bruton TD announced on Friday, April 5, that €20m is being invested to fund the rollout of high powered chargers across ESB ecars network, with a provisional map of the planned network published on the day.

The aim of the investment is to give people the confidence to make the switch to electric. As part of the initiative, more than 50 high power charging hubs are being funded on motorway and national road sites.

These hubs will be able to charge between two and eight vehicles simultaneously and are capable of providing up to 100 km of electric driving range in as little as six minutes.

In addition to the high power charging hubs, up to 50 locations will also see Standard 22kW AC chargers upgraded to 50kW DC fast chargers, providing additional fast charging capacity around the country. This network will be able to facilitate the public charging requirements of hundreds of thousands of vehicles.

Minister Bruton said at the announcement: “This investment gives people confidence that they can make the switch. Now is the time. As well as providing a network of chargers, the government also offer a number of financial supports to those thinking of changing their vehicle.”

This initiative is 50% financed by the Government’s Climate Action Fund with the remainder funded by ESB.

ESB ecars is currently identifying the most appropriate locations on motorways and national road networks. The sites will be identified using the latest software mapping techniques, taking account of information on current charge point usage, traffic volume, accessibility, amenities and grid capacity at the sites.

There are currently ten standard charge points in Longford and one fast charging point, which is located at Camlin Esso, Longford town.