IONITY has unveiled a new high-power electric vehicle (EV) charging hub in Birmingham, marking its most urban UK location to date. Situated on the A4540 in Aston, the site offers 12 ultra-rapid chargers with up to 400 kW capacity, all powered by renewable energy to ensure a sustainable charging experience.
While few EVs, such as the Lotus Emeya and BMW iX3, can utilise the full 400 kW capacity, this theoretically allows them to charge from 10 to 80% in approximately 15 minutes. Although real-world conditions, particularly during colder months, may affect charging speeds, this remains a valuable option for those seeking rapid charging.
Rapid chargers are seldom placed in city centres, with urban locations typically hosting destination chargers. Rapid charging sites are more common at motorway service stations. However, IONITY’s decision to open this hub, just a 20-minute walk from Birmingham New Street station, aims to serve drivers travelling to and from the city centre and those on the busy inner ring road.
The development was completed in partnership with Hubber, a company specialising in high-powered EV charging infrastructure in urban settings. Hubber transformed a derelict car park into this ultra-rapid charging hub. Andreas Atkins, UK & Ireland Country Manager at IONITY, highlighted that the new location signifies a strategic shift towards integrating high-power charging within dense urban areas.
Atkins stated, “The opening of our most urban UK site to date in Birmingham South Aston marks an important evolution of our strategy as we bring ultra-rapid charging into denser urban environments this year.” He emphasised Birmingham’s role as the UK’s second-largest city in the transition to electric mobility, making sustainable travel more accessible for those without home charging capabilities.
Harry Fox, CEO and Co-Founder of Hubber, added, “At Hubber, our mission is to power the future of urban mobility by regenerating underutilised property and removing the friction from infrastructure development. We acquired the underused property just four months ago, and now it’s supporting hundreds of EV drivers each day in the centre of Birmingham.”
The shift towards urban ultra-rapid charging sites is being closely monitored as the UK’s charging infrastructure evolves. While motorway charging remains crucial for long-distance travel, the next phase of EV adoption relies on convenient public charging for households unable to install home chargers, a common issue in urban areas and for residents in flats. The Birmingham Aston hub exemplifies the industry’s efforts to address this gap by placing high-powered charging closer to city centres rather than focusing solely on strategic road networks.
