The UK’s first Kempower EV charging hub opens today [30 November] in Wolverhampton, as part of a £75m programme by Osprey Charging to roll out 150 charging hubs across the UK.
The hub, which includes four high powered chargers capable of adding 100 miles of range in 10 minutes, is the first site in the UK to deploy Kempower chargers. These work together to optimise charging across multiple vehicles when more than one EV is plugged in.
The chargers allow power to be distributed based on demand, which varies between individual vehicles due to the maximum charging rate of each model and its battery percentage at the point of charge. The project said this technology can reduce waiting times, maximising the speed and availability of chargers for drivers, and increasing consumer footfall for the landowners hosting the hubs.
It also means grid connections can be optimised, allowing multiple high-power chargers to be installed per site and offers higher charging speeds without the need for more grid power. The physical footprint of each charger is also reduced by 74%, allowing space for more chargers, improving accessibility and reducing their visual impact to support planning permission.
Furthermore, the Wolverhampton site, adjacent to the A436, is designed to serve major transport routes in the area that sees more than 130,000 vehicles pass by daily. It also has a Costa Coffee on-site allowing drivers to make use of the facilities while they charge.
Ian Johnston, CEO of Osprey Charging, said: “Whether it’s gigafactories, EV manufacturing or Clean Air Zones, The West Midlands is leading the way on low carbon transport, cementing its role at the heart of the UK’s green industrial revolution.
“The opening of our high-powered charging hub in Wolverhampton – the first of 10 in construction this year – once again puts the region at the leading edge of innovation, marking a step-change in the UK’s EV infrastructure as we accelerate towards mass adoption of EVs. The site, which deploys multiple high-powered chargers, will provide a blueprint for hundreds more right across the UK, meaning no waiting times for drivers and an overall outstanding customer experience.”
Osprey’s £75m UK-wide EV charging hub rollout will see a total of 1,500 150-175KW rapid chargers installed across 150 sites nationwide over the next four years. Each hub will be located on strategic A-roads and adjacent to motorways, hosting up to 12 high powered chargers.
The company added all its chargers are compatible with every rapid charging EV on the market today and do not require a membership or subscription to initiate charging – drivers tap their contactless bank card or smartphone.
