The 150kW unit, which is three times more powerful than Jersey’s current 50kW rapid chargers, was officially switched on by Environment Minister Jonathan Renouf and Infrastructure Minister Tom Binet accompanied by JE CEO Chris Ambler.
The dual charger can provide a single EV with 100 miles range in just nine minutes, subject to the vehicle’s charging capacity. That equates to 11 days’ driving based on the Jersey average of 4,000 miles a year. Alternatively, the unit can charge two cars at once according to their battery sizes.
Mr Ambler said: ‘I am delighted Ministers Renouf and Binet have found time in their busy schedules to be here together. We are looking forward to working with them on a raft of carbon-cutting initiatives, including further e-mobility solutions.
‘We already have 105 public charge points in service – twice the UK average per capita – catering for all EVs and we have developed a cost-effective home charging solution, Easycharge. This latest charger will provide faster charging specifically for the new vehicles entering the market with larger batteries.
‘As more people consider making their next car an EV, we want to ensure that the Island is ready to meet the increase in electricity demand and that we remove as many barriers as we can by having a wide range of infrastructure in place.’
Minister Renouf said: ‘Decarbonising our transport system is one of the key challenges we face over the next few years. It is therefore exceptionally encouraging that JE are starting to introduce the next generation of fast charging facilities to add to the growing network of chargers around the Island. JE are a vital partner in the Island's push to reduce carbon emissions and I look forward to working with the company to help us achieve our carbon reduction targets.’
Minister Binet added: ‘Having the correct infrastructure in place is essential for the continued uptake in low carbon transport and this Government is keen to support work that keeps Jersey at the forefront of the rapidly changing and advancing landscape of electric transport.’
Learn more about the Ultra-Rapid EV Charger in this interview with Energy Solutions Manager, Ian Wilson
