SSE launches first public EV charging hub in Ireland

SSE has opened its first public EV charging hub in Ireland, with an opening ceremony officiated by Peter Burke TD, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. 

The facility, located off the M4 at Lough Sheever Corporate Park in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, features 10 ultra-rapid charging bays.

This new hub is part of SSE's broader initiative to establish 300 ultra-rapid EV charging stations across the UK and Ireland over the next five years, leveraging renewable energy sources. The Mullingar site, which includes four bays specifically designed for electric heavy goods vehicles (eHGVs), is the first in Ireland to cater to such vehicles, alongside standard EVs.

Each charging bay at the site can deliver up to 150 kilowatts of power, providing about 12.5 kilometres of range per minute of charging.

The facility offers Tap’n’Go payments, enhancing user convenience, and integrates services from SSE’s roaming payment partner, Octopus Electroverse, allowing for efficient transactions.

The establishment of this hub aligns with Ireland’s National EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy and the draft National En-Route EV Charging Plan, reflecting a growing demand for EV charging infrastructure. Further expansions are planned, with upcoming hubs at Blanchardstown Business Park, Greenogue Industrial Estate, and Ashbourne Retail Park.

SSE has also formed a joint venture with TotalEnergies under the brand "Source," aiming to set up a significant EV charging network in the UK and Ireland. This partnership plans to install up to 3,000 ultra-rapid charge points by 2028, and existing SSE hubs will be rebranded to Source in the future.

Sean O’Callaghan, SSE’s EV Operations Director, commented, “With the number of EVs on Irish roads growing quickly, the deployment of fast and reliable EV charging infrastructure is essential. The launch of our first ultra-rapid charging hub in Ireland is proof that SSE will support the Irish Government’s ambitions to meet the demand for this infrastructure and this is just the beginning of our ambitions. We are working to build a network of easy-to-reach charging points that will serve communities across Ireland.”

Minister Peter Burke added, “To reduce transport emissions and meet our climate targets, the Government is committed to promoting and incentivising the use of EVs. Private investment like this is essential to grow the network with the pace and scale required to meet Ireland’s ambitious targets. I am delighted SSE has selected Mullingar as the location of their first EV charging Hub in Ireland. I have no doubt that businesses in the region with eHGVs, as well as members of the public, will benefit from this innovative site.”