A ROLLOUT OF 90 new recharging hubs for electric vehicles (EVs) has been announced by Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien.

The new sites will deliver 192 new fast recharging points, with an average capacity of typically 250kW, along Ireland’s national primary and secondary road network.

The announcement is part of a wider plan to build a reliable recharging network across the country, with the distance between recharging hubs envisaged as 30km or less.

Almost €10 million will be allocated to support grants for recharging infrastructure at the selected sites.

In a statement, O’Brien said the recharging hubs would help to cater to the expanding EV fleet.

The Fianna Fáil TD said schemes such as the Light Duty Vehicle programme aim to ensure that drivers across Ireland will have “reliable access” to high-powered charging, making the transition to electric “practical and convenient”.

“Importantly, this investment will also bring high-quality, high-powered EV charging to more rural locations, helping to promote local economies support tourism, and strengthen regional development,” O’Brien said.

Chief executive of Transport Infrastructure Ireland Lorcan O’Connor said the network of charging points will connect regional and urban communities, enhancing motorists’ “confidence” in Electric Vehicles and further support Ireland’s Climate Action Plan via the electrification of Ireland’s car fleet.

O’Connor added that it will be a “major step” in helping to reduce range anxiety, where motorists fear they don’t have enough electricity to make their journey.