A new publicly accessible electric bay charging hub has opened in Melksham to serve some of the town’s 18,000 residents.

The EV charging hub was opened by SSE Energy Solutions at its Spa Road depot in Melksham, increasing the number of ultra-rapid chargers in the Wiltshire town tenfold.

As well as being available for public use, the five Dual Head ultra-rapid 150kW chargers across 10 EV charging bays, will service SSE’s local fleet of electric vehicles.

The high-powered charging units have the potential to allow drivers to resume their journey in just a few minutes.

Jonathan Richardson, SSE’s Electric Vehicle Construction Manager, said: “At SSE, we approach EV infrastructure with what we like to call ‘Whole Systems Thinking’.

“This means pursuing every avenue to expand the UK’s charging network - including partnerships with land and property developers, collaborations with local authorities, and, in instances like Melksham, providing publicly accessible ultra-rapid charging on our own premises.

“These projects are all crucial to removing the barriers to EV adoption and a vital part of our strategy to deliver 500 EV charging hubs across the UK and Ireland by the end of the decade. 

“Our latest project in Melksham will provide valuable learnings as we continue to roll out charging facilities across the UK that support our 10,000-strong workforce as well as local communities and businesses.”

Linda Roberts, Melksham Town Council town clerk, said: “For EV drivers throughout the local Melksham community, the opening of these ten chargers is a vital step.

“The presence of reliable, powerful charging here on their doorstep gives residents a stronger incentive to make the switch to EVs.

“Public organisations at every level will have a role to play in developing the infrastructure to empower net zero ambitions.

“Melksham Town Council is proud to support the expansion of electrified transport for both corporate fleets like SSE’s at their premises on Spa Road, as well as for local drivers and commuters. 

“SSE, by making these ultra-rapid chargers publicly accessible, have clearly signalled that they are not only committed to transforming their own assets but also finding opportunities to support decarbonisation for the wider community.”

According to electric vehicle charging atlas ZapMap there has previously been just one publicly accessible ultra-rapid EV charge point in Melksham to service the town's 18,000 residents.

SSE plans to build 500 ultra-rapid EV charging hubs powered by traceable, renewable energy in the UK and Ireland by 2030.