Ionity activates its first European megawatt chargers
Charging operator Ionity has powered up its first megawatt systems in Europe, capable of delivering 186 miles of range in just eight minutes.
The Pan-European network announced that it had activated 12 HYC1000 chargers from Alpitronic at two locations in France as it begins its work to futureproof its network.
Megawatt chargers are already in action in Europe and the UK but, until now, have been focused on supporting eHGVs and located in commercial vehicle sites.
The Ionity chargers sit in regular locations accessible by private passenger vehicles and will support the next generation of super-fast-charging EVs.
The two sites in France – one at Maison-Dieu, in eastern France, and the other in Sorgues on the famous A7 Autoroute du Soleil from Lyon to Marseille – each feature six chargers.
At each site, the total system output is 1,000kW, with individual chargers able to deliver up to 600kW of power. Ionity says this is enough to add 300km (186 miles) of range in just eight minutes.
While there are currently no passenger cars in Europe capable of accepting this rate of charge, they are on their way. Models such as the BMW iX3, Mercedes CLA and upcoming Volvo EX60 can charge at 400kW or more and later this year Denza will bring its megawatt-capable models to Europe.
Denza’s parent company BYD confirmed earlier this year it would launch its own megawatt charging network in Europe to support the new model roll-out. It plans to have 300 1,000kW devices up and running in the UK by the end of 2026.
Ionity CEO Jeroen van Tilburg said: “With the introduction of the new megawatt charging systems, we are further enhancing the performance of our European charging network.
“The charging power of new electric vehicles is continuously increasing, and in the coming years, more and more models will be able to utilise these high power levels. For drivers, this means shorter charging stops and greater freedom on every journey.
“We are creating an infrastructure that not only meets today’s needs but also securely positions Europe for the further expansion of electromobility.”
The two French sites will shortly be joined by Ionity’s first megawatt location in Germany. The site in Werne, north-west Germany will reportedly become “Germany’s fastest charging park” and will feature eight 600kW chargers. Beyond that, Ionity says it plans to roll out the super-high-power chargers at more locations along key routes across Europe.
