Ultra-rapid EV charging coming to Union Terrace car park

Yesterday (August 15), City of York Council approved the planning application for four rapid - and four ultra-rapid - EV units to be built in Union Terrace car park, off Clarence Street.

The eight charging units will be covered by a metal canopy with solar panels on top.

According to the application, the ultra-rapid charging stations would allow a suitable vehicle to cover a 100 mile range in less than ten minutes of charging. Vehicles at the rapid charging stations would require a charge time of less than an hour.

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The planning application has been delayed in the past due to concerns over its impact on disabled drivers. The original plans would've moved the blue badge bays a further 50 metres away from the exit of Union Terrace car park.

Amended designs were put forward following the applications rejection in 2022, several alternative designs were then looked at, which would not require changes to the accessible parking bays.

Now, seven new spaces immediately to the west of the charging station will be created for blue badge holders.

In addition, two blue badge spaces will be kept in front of the existing electric vehicle charging points, which are located opposite the would-be site of the re-located blue badge spaces.