Maxol introduces ROI’s first Ultra Rapid EV Hubs
Maxol’s Brian Donaldson explains why the EV infrastructure roll-out programme is hugely challenging
15 February 2024
The Maxol Group has announced its first Ultra Rapid EV hubs for the Republic of Ireland, which will open at two of its destination stores, Maxol Newbridge in Kildare and Maxol Ballycoolin in Dublin at a cost of €2.5 million.
Each will feature six high speed 200kw chargers offering a 15 minute charge time. The Maxol Group chief executive officer, Brian Donaldson confirmed that the business is currently considering a further 20 sites across Ireland, for which it aims to submit planning applications for similar EV charging hubs during 2024.
Operating as an Irish family business for 104 years, more than 80 people are employed directly and more than 1,000 indirectly by the Maxol Group.
Brian Donaldson, chief executive officer, Maxol Group, said: “While our strategy is to offer EV charging in areas where we see greatest demand, the speed at which we can roll out our EV transition programme is hugely frustrating. Access to power capacity and the time it takes to connect to the grid are ongoing challenges with no immediate improvements in sight. The process is not aided by the high costs for substation and connection fees to establish these much-needed hubs both in ROI and NI.
“However, EV charging and new and alternative fuels are all part of the future and we have invested €225m in the last ten years to future proof the business in preparation for the transition to EV mobility, ensuring our sites remain relevant to our growing customer base and are fit for purpose. Customers will seek out service stations where they can have a meal or a coffee, catch up on emails or take 15 minutes in comfortable surroundings while they charge their vehicle.”
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