Edinburgh’s Ocean Terminal is now home to the UK’s first ultra-rapid EV charging hub, introduced by Source—a joint venture between SSE and TotalEnergies. Opening to the public on May 6, 2025, this flagship installation features six 160kW ultra-rapid chargers designed for 15-minute “charge and go” sessions, a timing strategically calculated using thorough industry data.
The location, already home to the Royal Yacht Britannia and adjacent to major retailers like Tesco, offers high visibility in an area slated for significant redevelopment including 530 new homes. The hub incorporates 24/7 customer support to ensure reliable service for all EV users.
The technical specifications of the hub are impressive. Powered entirely by 100% renewable energy through SSE’s infrastructure, the site utilizes a compact substation complemented by TotalEnergies technology. These charging stations will play a vital role in supporting the expected 6 million EVs in the UK by 2030. The full configuration accommodates 12 bays with contactless payment systems for maximum convenience. The implementation of smart charging technology allows for efficient electricity load management during peak usage periods.
In my assessment, this level of technical integration represents a significant advancement for the UK charging infrastructure.
Source has positioned this hub as merely the beginning, with ambitious plans to develop more than 300 similar sites across the UK and Ireland over the next five years. Their stated goal of capturing 20% of the ultra-rapid charging market reflects a bullish outlook on EV adoption rates.
This is only the beginning—300+ hubs planned across UK and Ireland, targeting 20% of the ultra-rapid market.
The competitive landscape is heating up rapidly. InstaVolt recently opened one of Europe’s largest ultra-rapid hubs in Winchester, boasting 44 charging bays plus amenities including a Starbucks and play park. Meanwhile, Osprey and L&G opened their Watford hub at Woodside Leisure Park in April 2025.
What distinguishes Source’s approach is their focus on user experience, offering round-the-clock customer service and systems designed for simplicity and reliability. The hub isn’t just about charging points—it’s about building confidence in EV infrastructure at what industry experts consider a critical turning point for electric vehicle adoption.
With this launch, Source is taking EV charging into genuinely uncharted territory, creating future-proof infrastructure that may well set the standard for years to come.
