Circle K has announced an "expansion" of its high-powered electric car charging network as part of an ongoing deal with charging firm Ionity. The company, which is Ireland's largest forecourt and convenience retailer, will add another 12 charging points of up to 350kW at sites across central Ireland.
Increased capacity
The plan will see new Ionity ultra-rapid chargers installed at existing Circle K sites at Kill North and Kill South, Athlone, Gorey, Cashel and City North. Although the sites already have charging facilities, each of the six sites chosen will receive at least two new charging points, increasing the number of ultra-rapid charging points at Circle K forecourts to 36. It's a 50-per-cent increase across the network.
Circle K also says the Ionity charging points will provide "100-per-cent green energy", allowing drivers to use their electric vehicles (EVs) in a "truly carbon-neutral" way.
"Seeing our partnership with Circle K go from strength to strength shows our continued commitment to building a compressive charging infrastructure across Ireland, the UK and the rest of Europe," said Andreas Atkins, Ionity's country manager for the UK and Ireland. "The expansion of our charging hubs supports the Irish Government's decarbonisation plans, but it also means that EV drivers across Ireland can travel at ease, without concern for long waiting times, and providing the ability to charge at speed, whilst taking advantage of the Circle K facilities."
Existing investment
The partnership with Ionity stands alongside Circle K's existing €7 million plan to install its own branded chargers across 30 new sites in the next 18 months. However, the company has acknowledged "a significant challenge" represented by the "slow pace of delivery" for securing charger connections to the national electricity grid.
Nevertheless, Circle K has opened chargers at Fermoy (Junction 14 of the M8), Carlow (Junction 5 of the M9) and Athlone (on the M6), and four new charging locations have been built at Westview, Artane and Ashtown in County Dublin and Gallowshill in County Waterford. However, those four locations have not yet been connected to the grid.
"Our partnership with Ionity and the latest expansion announced today emphasise Circle K's commitment to strengthening our EV charging offering to our customers," said Jonathan Diver, Circle K Ireland's fuels director. "With the growing preference for EVs among Irish motorists, Circle K is actively adapting to meet this changing landscape, preparing for the future now and beyond.
"Despite the challenges posed by the high costs and lengthy lead times in securing a grid connection, our team is working hard to provide more high-power charging points for customers throughout the country. Our €7 million investment in EV chargers at 30 company-owned sites over the next 18 months is part of this broader vision, leveraging our global network's expertise and local insights."