Dundee unveils a UK first in charging hubs

Dundee is celebrating ‘a landmark development’ with the launch of what is thought to be the UK’s first purpose-built electric vehicle charging hub that includes solar power and energy storage.

eVolt UK, the nationwide supplier of electrical vehicle (EV) charging units, installed the latest versions of its rapid charging units for the hub, which is located on Princes Street in Dundee city centre.

Alongside rapid charging units the hub features 18 bays of solar canopies and an integrated energy storage system utilising second-life EV batteries. eVolt installed six of its Raption 50kW Rapid Chargers, capable of charging two vehicles simultaneously in approximately 30 minutes, and three 22kW eVolve chargers.

Fraser Crichton, transport officer at Dundee City Council, said this was a landmark developement and added: “We are so excited to have completed our latest EV infrastructure project as we continue to drive our e-mobility vision. With over 100 pure electric taxis in the city this hub will be vital to support our taxi fleet as well as benefitting the wider EV community.”

This is the second of three hubs to be introduced this year in Dundee through the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) Go Ultra Low programme. Six rapid chargers and two eVolve chargers will also be installed at Queen Street car park later this year.

Justin Meyer, general manager of eVolt UK, said: “This is the first hub of its kind, combining EV charging, solar canopies and energy storage, we are proud to be supporting Dundee Council’s project to lower emissions and to encourage more people to make the switch to sustainable e-Mobility.”