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Moto reveals plans for ultra-rapid charging station at Rugby Services

Motorway services firm Moto is set to launch a new electric vehicle charging site at Rugby services as part of a £40 million investment.

The new site will open on April 30th at Rugby Services and will feature 24 rapid chargers, 12 Tesla and 12 Electric Highway. The ultra-rapid 350kW direct current chargers will be able to add up to 100 miles of range within just five minutes.

Ken McMeikan, chief executive of Moto, said: “Moto is committed to sustainable motoring and we want to play a key part in encouraging more people to have the confidence to switch into electric vehicles. Rugby Services is the most significant first step in achieving this and we’re proud to be launching the UK’s largest EV charging site.

“Our vision is to transform the UK’s rest stop experience and we think motorists will be delighted with the new Moto site at Rugby, particularly as they begin travelling again following easing of Covid-19 restrictions to see family, friends and loved ones.”

By the end of the year, Moto says it will have rapid chargers at 28 services across the UK, with the aim of each service station having at least six ultra-rapid chargers by the end of 2022.

This goal is part of £100 million investment programme, which also includes plans to upgrade all existing 50kW chargers for greater charging power ahead of increased ‘staycation’ traffic by the end of July 2021.

Dale Vince, founder of the Electric Highway, commented: “Moto is a founding partner of the Electric Highway and this is our first ultra-rapid installation, which comes at a tipping point in the adoption of electric vehicles.

“The installation comes at the beginning of a new partnership with GRIDSERVE, which kickstarts a comprehensive programme where these installations will become ubiquitous across all Moto services, helping to make the experience of using an electric car no different to using a fossil-powered one.”

Moto is also planning another 24 ultra-rapid charger locations throughout the UK by the end of 2021, with sites planned for Reading, Thurrock, and Exeter.

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