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Sunderland AFC are set to take another major step towards their sustainability targets with a new electric vehicle charging hub at the Stadium of Light.
The project will create the largest EV charging hub in the North East, with 20 ultra-rapid charging bays powered entirely by renewable energy.
Sunderland unveil new EV charging bays at Stadium of Light
The Premier League side have teamed up with RAW Charging to deliver the new facility as part of the club's Ready Eco programme, with around £750,000 invested into the project.
The hub will feature 20 ultra-rapid charging bays, comprising 16 150kW chargers and four 300kW chargers, giving supporters and visitors access to faster charging facilities when visiting the Stadium of Light.
The charging points will support contactless payments and all major EV charging apps, while free charging will be available from October 9th to October 12th over the weekend of Sunderland's home fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Free charging will be available through the RAW Rewards scheme and ChargePoint App, rather than through contactless payment.
The project forms part of Sunderland's wider Ready Eco strategy, which aims to make the club energy-sufficient through renewable sources by 2028 before reaching net zero by 2040.
RAW Charging CEO Jason Simpson said the project would provide EV drivers with “reliable and future-proof charging infrastructure”, while Sunderland chief operations officer Paul Kingsmore said the hub would improve the experience for fans and visitors while supporting cleaner transport across the North East.
FGG says: A significant addition to the Stadium of Light
The new charging hub is another example of Sunderland looking beyond the football itself when developing the Stadium of Light and its surrounding facilities.
With 20 ultra-rapid charging bays and 100% renewable energy, the project also gives supporters another reason to consider more sustainable ways of travelling to matches.
It is a relatively straightforward addition, but one that fits neatly into Sunderland's wider environmental ambitions.