Fastned and Places for London opened their first ultra-rapid charging hub near Heathrow, marking the launch of a partnership that’ll bring 25 new charging locations to the capital.
The 12-bay facility at Hatton Cross is offering free charging through Friday June 19 to celebrate its opening. Drivers can authorize sessions with their usual payment method and charge without cost.
London’s already leading UK electric vehicle adoption with more than 175,000 electric cars and vans registered. That number’s projected to hit over 1 million by 2030.
Many London drivers rely on public charging infrastructure.
The Mayor’s office has set a target of installing 40,000 more public chargers by 2030. Places for London’s partnership with Fastned will contribute 25 ultra-rapid hubs at key city locations.
Planning permission is already secured for a 36-bay flagship location at Hanger Lane and an eight-bay hub at East Finchley Underground station car park. Applications for three more sites in Newham, Haringey, and Barking and Dagenham are under consideration, with seven additional locations being prepared for submission.
Strategic Location and Technical Specs
The Hatton Cross site sits close to Heathrow, the M25, M4 and A30 – positioning it for both local and long-distance travel. All 12 chargers can deliver 400kW output and run on renewable energy.
Extra-wide bays accommodate cars, taxis, vans and small commercial trucks. Two fully accessible charging spaces meet the latest British Standards Institution guidance.
“This is sustainable, inclusive infrastructure that drivers can rely on where it’s needed most,” said John Colgan, Places for London’s EV charging hubs manager. “This is just the start of a city-wide network of ultra-rapid hubs, which sets a benchmark for future EV charging developments, supporting a cleaner, more sustainable transport network across the capital.”
Tom Hurst, Fastned’s UK country director, called Hatton Cross “a landmark moment” for the joint venture.
“This site is designed around people on the go,” Hurst said. “Whether you’re commuting, visiting, running a fleet or living with or without a driveway, we’re making charging simpler, faster and more reliable for everyone.”
The partnership addresses London’s growing need for reliable public charging as EV adoption accelerates across the capital.
