Pictured, from left to right, are Richard Phillips, legal director at Adderstone Group; Cllr Lindsey Leonard, Sunderland Council portfolio holder for environment, transport and Net Zero; Ben Wilkinson, local business development manager at Vertu Motors; Ben Wilkinson, local business development manager at Vertu Motors; Kate Grant, director of estates at Adderstone Group; and Grant Murray, EV rollout manager at IONITY

Sunderland powers up with 'largest charging hub'

A ‘state-of-the-art’ electric vehicle (EV) charging site has launched in Sunderland, strengthening the region’s position as a leader in the EV revolution.

Located at Wessington Retail Park, the facility, which was developed by charge point operator IONITY in partnership with Adderstone Group, is now the largest high-power EV charging site in the North of England.

Positioned near major retailers and eateries, the hub caters to drivers on the go as well as local families transitioning to electric vehicles, with its 12 ultra-rapid 350kW charging bays allowing drivers to recharge in just 23 minutes, significantly faster than older models.

Ian Baggett, CEO of Adderstone Group, said: “With more than 100,000 electric cars manufactured in Sunderland each year and only a couple of hundred charging points, we figured they might need a few more!”

Andreas Atkins, IONITY’s country manager for the UK and Ireland, added: “We are thrilled the latest and largest high-power EV charging site in the region is now online at Wessington Retail Park.

“The site not only supports the growing demand for ultra-rapid charging, but also integrates seamlessly with popular local amenities.

“This makes it a convenient and attractive stop for EV drivers and the public alike, enhancing the overall experience for visitors.”

The initiative is part of IONITY’s UK-wide strategy to deliver superfast charging networks, supporting the growing demand for EV infrastructure.

Councillor Lindsey Leonard, cabinet member for environment and net zero at Sunderland City Council, added: “Sunderland has set out ambitious goals to accelerate our journey towards a low carbon future.

“High-power charging points like those now in place at Wessington Way will do a great deal to reassure motorists thinking of making the move to an EV.

“We’re thrilled to see this provision become available in such an accessible part of Sunderland and we’re sure it will be very well-used.”

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