Ionity brings 400kW charging to Scottish Highlands with two new sites
Ultra-rapid charging network Ionity has opened two new locations in the Scottish Highlands, bringing a major boost to the region’s charging infrastructure.
The latest sites in Fort William and Inverness take the network’s Scottish operations to 12 locations, stretching from Inverness in the north to Gretna, on the border with England.
The operator says that its newest location will help support sustainable travel for locals and tourists. The Fort William site is just 10 miles from Ben Nevis and the wider Nevis range with its wealth of outdoor activities. Meanwhile, the Inverness station is close to the starting point of the world-famous North Coast 500 driving route.
Both locations feature six high-powered chargers capable of operating at up to 400kW. That will allow compatible vehicles such as the BMW iX3 and Volvo EX60 to add 200 miles of range in just 10 minutes.
Announcing the opening of the two news sites, Andreas Atkins, Ionity’s country manager for UK and Ireland, said: “The opening of our eleventh and twelfth sites in Scotland marks an important milestone in expanding high-powered charging across the Highlands.
“By strengthening our network in key locations such as Fort William and Inverness, we are helping make electric travel across the UK more convenient and reliable for both residents and visitors.”
As well as providing an ultra-rapid charging hub in the capital of the Highlands, Ionity hopes its new Inverness site will raise awareness of modern energy infrastructure among students at the nearby Inshes Primary School. To mark the opening of the site, the operator invited pupils to see it in action.
Meg Snedden, head teacher at Inshes Primary School commented: “Having such an important renewable energy project right beside our school has created a valuable real-world learning opportunity for our pupils. Making sustainable travel a reality within their local community is so important in normalising the technology for younger generations.
“The children appreciated the opportunity to speak with the Ionity team and learn more about the new charging hub. They have been learning about renewable energy and exploring sustainability in class, so being able to see how electric vehicle charging works in practice has helped bring that learning to life.”
