- Cairn Lodge Services revolutionises the UK’s EV scene, revealing the nation’s first hydrogen-powered charging facility, in partnership with GeoPura and SWARCO Smart Charging.
- Westmorland bridges the energy grid gap with green hydrogen, offering instant EV charging – a practical response to escalating demands.
- The Cairn Lodge Services, GeoPura, and SWARCO partnership sets a new standard, offering a game-changing solution for sustainable and accessible EV charging amid rapid market growth.
Cairn Lodge Services pioneers sustainable mobility with the UK’s first public hydrogen-powered EV charging stations
Cairn Lodge Services, part of the Westmorland Family on the M74 in Lanarkshire, has unleashed its cutting-edge EV charging hub fuelled by hydrogen. This game-changer marks the first-ever deployment of a hydrogen-powered generator connected to EV chargers at a UK service station, revolutionising the race to accelerate EV charging infrastructure nationwide. The family-run motorway oasis, known for excellence in service and sustainability, has taken a bold leap, proactively closing the energy grid gap with the power of hydrogen.
Westmorland forged an alliance with GeoPura, linking its green hydrogen-fueled HPU to Westmorland EV Chargers from SWARCO Smart Charging. The GeoPura HPU complements the existing grid supply, ensuring optimal electricity for EV charging at the service station.
Nabil Subuh, CEO of Westmorland Family said:
“Cairn Lodge Services is excited to offer the first hydrogen powered EV chargers on the UK motorway network. The rapid growth of the EV market has underscored the pressing need for accessible and reliable charging facilities. As EV adoption soars, the pressure on the electrical grid has become increasingly evident, leaving businesses like Westmorland to look for creative, sustainable alternatives until there is sufficient grid capacity. We want to be at the forefront of this sustainable and eco-friendly EV charging revolution, providing a convenient, green charging to our customers. To the customer, the charging experience is no different to a grid connected charger, and by utilising this new technology we can provide much needed EV charging facilities sooner, meeting the growing demand without having a negative impact on the environment.”
Starting December 12th, EV drivers at Cairn Lodge Services can tap into 6 ultra-rapid Westmorland EV chargers provided by SWARCO Smart Charging, powered by green hydrogen. This sustainable solution stands in place until a fitting electrical grid connection is secured.
This serves as an innovative solution, providing seamless scalability for off-grid EV charging in diverse applications, and proves crucial, especially in areas where grid upgrades face delays or are impractical. This strategic move positions them to meet the demands of the holiday season and the anticipated surge in EV charging requests during Christmas.
Andrew Cunningham, CEO of GeoPura, added:
“If we can charge our EVs from the grid, where in the UK 50% of the energy is renewable that is by far the best option, however our existing distribution grid wasn’t designed to provide the energy required for an electrified transportation network. This means that many locations, where we need to charge our cars don’t have sufficient power available to give the service that their owners require. Westmorland Family are to be congratulated for seeking innovative solutions to this challenge and implementing a combination of battery and renewable hydrogen fuel to enable them to augment their electricity grid connection and provide all the power their customers need during peak times. GeoPura’s HPU EV charging solution presents a game-changing approach to maximise electrical grid capacity and ensure seamless and sustainable charging for EVs, today!”
The GeoPura HPU taps into hydrogen’s power to generate electricity, presenting a clean and efficient alternative to conventional diesel generators. It serves as an eco-friendly solution, supplying off-grid and supplementary power for EV charging. GeoPura units employ a fuel cell system that converts hydrogen gas into electricity, emitting only water as a by-product.
Anne Buckingham Managing Director SIS, part of SWARCO Smart Charging, commented:
“It is a challenge we see across many of our EV charging projects, so we are delighted to collaborate on this innovative project. The introduction of hydrogen power is a novel solution to accelerating the roll-out of EV charging infrastructure until the distribution of electricity can catch up with the demand from new EV charging sites.”
The strategic collaboration among Cairn Lodge Services, GeoPura, and SWARCO sets a pioneering benchmark for the future of EV charging infrastructure. This transformative partnership not only addresses the challenges arising from the rapid expansion of the EV market, but also delivers a practical and sustainable solution. By pushing the boundaries of innovation and sustainability, this alliance showcases a blueprint for a greener tomorrow, emphasising the crucial role such collaborations play in shaping the landscape of electric mobility.
