Westbury has received a boost to its electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure with the opening of the town’s first ultra-rapid charging station.
Operated by Allego, operator of UK and Europe EV destination and on-route charging networks, the site is located alongside the A3098 in Leigh Park.
The new site has four high-powered connectors and is one of only a handful of ultra-rapid public charging points in the wider county of Wiltshire.
The station is set to serve both local residents and businesses, as well as provide a convenient charge point for drivers travelling through the area. It will allow EV drivers to charge their vehicles in as little as 20 minutes.
Its opening comes as the UK Government advances plans to phase out petrol and diesel vehicles, with EVs playing a central role in achieving national net zero ambitions.
The development also coincides with reports that Wiltshire is behind the national average in terms of public charging rollout and comes as the council considers a 15-year programme that could deliver more than 2,000 new charge points across the county.
The number of electric vehicles in Wiltshire is forecast to increase more than fivefold by 2030 as a result of government clean transport efforts, further highlighting the need for reliable and accessible charging infrastructure.
Paz Sharma, UK Managing Director for Allego, said, “EVs have a critical and increasing role in achieving net zero ambitions, and convenient, reliable charge points are key to encouraging their adoption.
“We’re proud to deliver the first ultra-rapid charging station for Westbury, strengthening the town’s charging network and complementing the wider county’s clean transport efforts. This new site makes charging faster and easier for drivers, helping to open the door for more people to transition to electric vehicles.”
He added that the network is now looking to deepen its presence in the area, actively exploring partnerships with local businesses and venues to encourage drivers to plug in while also supporting footfall and boosting the local economy.
The new site is located at Leigh Park, 1 PalomiNo Place, Westbury, BA13 3SD, and forms part of Allego’s growing network of 64 charging stations across the UK.
