SSE Opens First Ultra-Rapid EV Charging Hub in Ireland

In a significant step toward enhancing EV infrastructure in Ireland, SSE has opened its first ultra-rapid public EV charging hub.

The new facility, located at Lough Sheever Corporate Park in Mullingar, County Westmeath, was officially inaugurated by Peter Burke TD, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

The development aligns with Ireland's broader climate goals, emphasising the need for substantial private investment in EV infrastructure to meet ambitious targets.

Supporting Ireland's climate and transport goals

Speaking at the launch, Minister Peter Burke emphasised the importance of expanding EV infrastructure to achieve Ireland's environmental objectives.

"To reduce transport emissions and meet our climate targets, the Government is committed to promoting and incentivising use of EVs," he said. "Private investment like this is essential to grow the network with the pace and scale required to meet Ireland's ambitious targets.

"I am delighted SSE has selected Mullingar as the location of their first EV charging hub in Ireland."

Advanced features of SSE's EV charging hub

By design, the Mullingar facility has the future of EV transportation in mind. It features ten ultra-rapid charging bays with capabilities of up to 150kW per bay, providing up to 12.5km of range per minute of charging.

Its focus on accommodating electric heavy goods vehicles (eHGVs) sets the hub apart. The site includes four long-wheelbase drive-through bays purpose-built for eHGVs, making it the first in Ireland.

Seamless and accessible charging

To enhance the charging experience, the hubs offer Tap'n Go payments, making it convenient and straightforward for customers. SSE's partnership with Octopus Electroverse also ensures that users can access charging services effortlessly across a wide network.

SSE's approach builds consumer confidence in the availability and reliability of EV charging infrastructure in Ireland.

Expanding EV infrastructure across Ireland

The Mullingar site is just the beginning of SSE's ambitious plans to deploy 300 ultra-rapid EV charging hubs across the UK and Ireland within the next five years.

Several other sites are being developed, including Blanchardstown Business Park and Greenogue Industrial Estate in County Dublin, Ireland and Ashbourne Retail Park in the UK.

SSE's sustainable mobility

Sean O'Callaghan, SSE's EV Operations Director, highlighted the company's commitment to supporting Ireland's transition to sustainable transport.

"With the number of EVs on Irish roads proliferating, the deployment of fast and reliable EV charging infrastructure is essential," he said. "The launch of our first ultra-rapid charging hub in Ireland is proof that SSE will support the Irish government's ambitions to meet the demand for this infrastructure and this is just the beginning of our ambitions.

"We are working to build a network of easy-to-reach charging points that will serve communities across Ireland."

Looking ahead: A new joint venture

SSE's broader strategy includes a joint venture with TotalEnergies under the brand Source, which aims to be a major player in the EV charging landscape across the UK and Ireland.

The joint venture plans to install up to 3,000 ultra-rapid charge points over the next five years, with existing SSE hubs rebranded as Source.

Driving the future of electric mobility in Ireland

As Ireland ramps up efforts to expand its EV charging network, SSE's initiatives significantly contribute to the nation's climate strategy.

With the growing demand for sustainable transportation, SSE's charging hubs are set to play a crucial role in supporting the shift to EVs and reducing carbon emissions.

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