Newcastle International Airport sets sight on charging forecourt

Newcastle International Airport will soon be applying for planning permission for a brand new, ultra-rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging forecourt and convenient coffee drive-thru facility.

Based on Airport land at Callerton Parkway, which is just off the A696 and minutes from the A1, the super-fast charging facility will benefit a variety of customers including Airport passengers; local commercial drivers such as taxi drivers waiting to pick up Airport customers; commuters and visitors to the region.

The station will comprise up to 12 charging bays, each of which is supplied by 100 per cent renewable energy, and will be capable of adding up to 400 miles of range to fully-electric cars in 20 minutes.

The new stations will feature Fastned’s iconic, highly visible solar canopies that help EV drivers to locate the sites and stay dry while charging. Reliable and easy-to-use ultra-rapid chargers, as well as a range of payment methods, mean drivers can charge easily and with confidence, getting back on the road as quickly as possible.

Nick Jones, chief executive of Newcastle International Airport said: “The Airport recently unveiled a road map to become a Net Zero Carbon Airport by the year 2035. As part of our journey, we have been working on some very ambitious projects, including a solar farm to supply the Airport with renewable energy and replacing all of the Airport’s fleet of vehicles with electric models.

“As part of this strategy, providing access to a rapid charging facility for our customers and stakeholders that regularly use the Airport site was a priority therefore, we are delighted to be able to announce this project in collaboration with Fastned.”

Commenting on the new plans, Tom Hurst, UK country manager for Fastned said: “This project will help redevelop an under-utilised vehicle storage facility into a world-class EV charging hub - providing much needed infrastructure for the local community.

“We look forward to working with the local community and authorities to get the site up and running and bringing drivers the charging experience they deserve. Our UK operations started in the North East, at Sunderland in 2019, and we are incredibly proud to be taking things to the next level here in Newcastle”.

The new station plans come as Fastned was ranked the joint best charging point operator in the UK in 2022, according to users of Zap Map, the UK’s leading charge point mapping service. Fastned’s most recent station opening in the North East was at Parson’s Road, Washington.

Prior to submitting the planning application the Airport will be consulting with local residents who will be given the opportunity to provide feedback on the proposals.

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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