UK’s Largest Public Electric Vehicle Charging Hub
Client: Oxford City Council
Project: Installation of ‘Superhub’ Charging Hub
Department: Highways
Date of completion: Spring 2022
Summary
ODS partnered with Gamma Energy to help deliver the UK’s largest public EV charging hub at Redbridge Park & Ride. The Oxford Superhub features 38 fast and ultra-rapid chargers, supporting Oxford’s net-zero goals. The project is a key milestone in the £41 million Energy Superhub Oxford (ESO) initiative, led by Pivot Power in collaboration with Oxford City Council, a shareholder of ODS.
Requirements
The Oxford Superhub needed a high-capacity, scalable EV charging infrastructure to meet the city’s growing demand. ODS installed 10 Fastned chargers (up to 300kW, adding 300 miles in 20 minutes) with capacity for four more, along with 16 Gamma Energy chargers (7-22kW) and 12 Tesla Superchargers (250kW). The hub operates 24/7 with contactless and app-based payment options. Powered entirely by renewable energy, including an on-site solar roof, it aligns with Oxford’s zero-emission goals.
Challenges
High Voltage Grid Connection: The Oxford Superhub required a direct connection to the National Grid’s high-voltage transmission network, a unique challenge that ensures the site can support large-scale EV charging without overloading the local power grid
Integration with Battery Storage: The site is linked to a 50MW hybrid battery system, the largest ever deployed in the UK, using lithium-ion and vanadium flow technology to increase renewable energy availability.
Minimising Disruption: Construction had to be carefully managed to avoid major interruptions to Park & Ride operations, including parking, bus services, and terminal access. Additionally, tree removal was required for cabling, with replanting carried out as part of the project.
Solution
ODS successfully managed the installation, groundworks, and commissioning of the charging infrastructure, ensuring the hub met both current and future EV charging demands. ODS worked closely with partners to integrate ultra-rapid chargers, high-voltage power connections, and battery storage solutions. A phased construction approach was implemented to minimise disruption, keeping Redbridge Park & Ride operational throughout the project.
Results
The Oxford Superhub has positioned the city as a national leader in EV charging infrastructure, providing a scalable, high-capacity solution to meet the UK’s growing demand for sustainable transport. With a 10MW on-site power supply, the hub is capable of supporting EV charging needs for the next 30 years. The project’s success also lays the foundation for further expansion, with up to 40 additional Superhubs planned across the UK. Additionally, the infrastructure is adaptable for future city-wide EV charging needs, including taxis, buses, and commercial fleets.
