- European CPO Fastned has submitted a planning application to Scotland’s Aberdeen City Council to construct a drive-through ultra-rapid EV charging hub inside a repurposed warehouse, which is set to become the first of its kind in the UK.
- Strategically located in the centre of Aberdeen, beside the inner city ring road, the charging hub will reuse the existing Grampian House warehouse.
- If approved, the new charging hub will be a key asset not only for the public and businesses travelling in and out of the city in EVs, but also for locals without the ability to charge an EV at home.
Fastned looks to build indoor EV charging hub in Aberdeen
Under the plans, the warehouse will be repurposed with a roof solar array, generating renewable energy that can be used to provide power for the chargers within. Twelve ultra-rapid charging bays will be placed inside the warehouse, allowing drivers to add up to 100 miles of range in as little as five minutes, thanks to charging speeds of 400kW. Other facilities within the building will include a shop, toilets, and a seating area. The planned site is set to be the perfect place for EV drivers to rest and recharge in all weathers.
The planned hub will also use a drive-through layout with separate entrance and exits, which Fastned say will improve accessibility for all types of EVs, and also improve throughput at the site and reduce congestion.
The reconversion of an existing warehouse into an indoor, ultra-rapid EV charging hub is the first of its kind in the UK, with Fastned claiming that this method reduces the environmental impact of the development. By putting a large focus on the circular economy, Fastned’s plan is setting an example for how to open the most sustainable EV charging facilities.
The move aligns with Fastned’s strategy to provide more ultra-rapid charging infrastructure in urban areas, as it sees an increasing appetite for such facilities.
Tom Hurst, UK Country Director at Fastned, commented:
“Aberdeen is at the heart of Scotland’s energy transition. It is driving the expansion of offshore renewable energy, and enabling Scotland to become a net exporter of green electricity instead of fossil fuels. This charging hub is perfect for the EV drivers of Aberdeen. We’re optimistic that the City Council will see the benefit that the development will bring to the city and how it fits in with its wider decarbonisation strategy. This hub isn’t just about EV charging, it’s about showing what’s possible in an urban environment while making a clear commitment to a cleaner, greener city. We’re looking forward to hearing the final decision and to working with the council to make this hub a reality.”
Iftikar Mian, Managing Director of West Coast Estates Ltd, added:
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Fastned on this groundbreaking project to bring the UK’s first indoor drive-thru ultra-rapid EV charging hub to Aberdeen. At West Coast Estates, we believe in transforming underused spaces into assets that benefit the community and support a more sustainable future. This innovative repurposing of Grampian House perfectly aligns with our vision for responsible regeneration and reflects Aberdeen’s ambition to lead Scotland’s energy transition.
Our ongoing relationship with Fastned across several sites demonstrates our shared commitment to delivering high-quality infrastructure that supports the shift to electric mobility. We hope the community and local stakeholders will support this proposal, helping us turn this exciting plan into a reality for Aberdeen.”
