Fastned marks opening of new Heathrow hub with week of free charging

Charging operator Fastned and Places for London have opened the first ultra-rapid hub near Heathrow as part of a new partnership to deliver more EV charging to the capital.

The 12-bay facility at Hatton Cross is the first of 25 charging hubs planned through the infrastructure deal.

To celebrate its opening, charging at the site will be free for a “working week” between Monday June 15 and Friday June 19. Drivers can simply authorise a charging session with their usual payment method then top up for free.

London leads the UK’s EV uptake, with more than 175,000 electric cars and vans already registered and EV numbers projected to reach over 1 million by 2030. However, many drivers are also reliant on public charging and the Mayor’s office has set a target of installing 40,000 more public chargers by 2030.

As part of that plan, Places for London has partnered with Fastned to deliver 25 ultra-rapid hubs at key locations around the city.

Planning permission is already in place for a flagship 36-bay location at Hanger Lane and an eight-bay hub at East Finchley Underground station car park, with applications for three more sites – in Newham, Haringey, and Barking and Dagenham – under consideration and seven more being prepared for submission.

Located close to Heathrow, the M25, M4 and A30, the Hatton Cross location features 12 chargers capable of delivering 400kW output, all powered by renewable energy. Its extra-wide bays are designed to accommodate cars, taxis, vans and small commercial trucks, and there are two fully accessible charging spaces in line with the latest British Standards Institution guidance.

Officially opening the new site, John Colgan, Places for London’s EV charging hubs manager, said: “This is a sustainable, inclusive infrastructure that drivers can rely on where it’s needed most. This is just the start of a city-wide network of ultra-rapid hubs, which sets a benchmark for future EV charging developments, supporting a cleaner, more sustainable transport network across the capital.”

Fastned’s UK country director Tom Hurst added: “Hatton Cross is a landmark moment for our joint venture with Places for London, and a major step in powering up the capital where it matters most. This site is designed around people on the go. Whether you’re commuting, visiting, running a fleet or living with or without a driveway, we’re making charging simpler, faster and more reliable for everyone.”