Ionity has opened its first high-power charging station in Maidstone, providing 350kW charging using renewable energy sources.

The firm claims that an electric car or van can be charged in less than 20 minutes using the new device.

Michael Hajesch, CEO of Ionity, said: “As car manufacturers continue to launch electric vehicles with bigger batteries to provide a longer range, High Power charging is an essential part of the e-mobility transition process thus making the e-journey a smooth and seamless experience.

“We are passionate about making e-mobility a reality, with drivers already taking advantage of our convenient stations across Europe. We selected Octopus Energy to provide 100% renewable energy for our network of 40 High Power Charging stations in the UK. Coupled with the new charging times that 350 kW makes possible, this represents an important step towards making the environmentally friendly long-distance journey an everyday reality.”

Ionity is a joint venture between Daimler, Ford, BMW and the Volkswagen Group that aims to increase the feasibility of EVs by establishing convenient High-Power Charging (HPC) sites across the continent.

New locations in Milton Keynes and Gretna Green will be opened shortly. Ionity says its Europe-wide charging network will see up to 2400 chargers installed by 2020.

The Maidstone site is located at the Junction 8 service station on the M20 and is operated by Motor Fuel Group.