Multi-million-pound investment announced for Northern Ireland’s charging infrastructure

Northern Ireland’s electric vehicle (EV) public charging network is set to get a major boost in more than 350 locations.

Belfast-based start-up Weev has announced plans to invest £20 million in a new network, installing 1,500 new charging points before the end of 2024, including at six major ultra-rapid charging hub sites.

This investment will help address the paucity of charging infrastructure in Northern Ireland. This lack of infrastructure was highlighted by Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon setting up an EV Task force to seek to address the lack of commercial operators in the space.

Charging points will be available in convenient and strategic locations such as car parks. Weev will also offer EV managed fleet solutions and leasing.

Weeve co-founded and chief commercial officer Thomas O’Hagan said: “With the current situation around fuel prices, consumers are now thinking seriously about the switch to an EV, but they need to make that switch knowing that their charging requirements will be met should they need it on any given journey.

“Our roll out has just commenced and we plan to have the first users on our network by mid-2022. In total by the end of 2024, we expect to have completed with the installation of a network of 1,500 charging points operational in strategic locations across Northern Ireland.”

Welcoming the investment in this vital infrastructure, Mark McCall from Electric Vehicle Association Northern Ireland (EVANI) added: “We have been lobbying to create an environment that was investible for commercial operators to bring new public charging infrastructure to Northern Ireland. We are delighted that Weev has stepped forward to help make this happen.

“EV drivers in Northern Ireland have been crying out for action and we are really looking forward to seeing the progress the company makes with its planned roll out.”