(Image: Provided)
A football club has unveiled plans to become the home of the North East’s largest electric vehicle (EV) charging hub.
Located at Sunderland AFC’s Stadium of Light, the newly opened facility features 20 ultra-rapid charging bays, including 16 150kW chargers and four 300kW chargers.
The project is part of the club’s Ready Eco programme and has been developed in partnership with EV chargepoint operator RAW Charging.
Jason Simpson, CEO of RAW Charging, said: "We are delighted to be partnering with Sunderland AFC to deliver the largest EV charging hub in the North East.
"This project is a major new facility for the city and aligns perfectly with our mission to support sustainable travel.
"By providing ultra-rapid charging powered by 100 per cent renewable energy, we are ensuring that EV drivers have access to reliable and future-proof charging infrastructure."
The hub is powered entirely by renewable energy and is designed to offer a fast and efficient charging experience for fans, visitors, and the wider community.
It supports SAFC’s goal of becoming energy-sufficient from renewable sources by 2028 and achieving net zero by 2040.
RAW Charging has invested around £750,000 into Sunderland.
The company will fund, operate, and maintain the entire charging infrastructure.
Paul Kingsmore, chief operations officer at Sunderland AFC, said: "At Sunderland AFC, we are committed to making a real difference through our Ready Eco programme, and this partnership with RAW Charging is another step towards achieving our sustainability ambitions.
"By installing a state-of-the-art EV charging hub at the Stadium of Light, we are not only improving the experience for fans and visitors but also supporting the wider transition to cleaner, greener transport in the North East."
The chargers are branded under the Ready Eco programme, which the clubs says further highlights SAFC’s position as a leader in sustainability within the Premier League.
RAW Charging, which has won the Zapmap Best Destination Network Award for 2026 and holds ICC Gold accreditation, is recognised as a leading provider of EV infrastructure for the leisure, retail, and hospitality sectors.
The new hub is part of RAW Charging’s broader UK expansion, which includes installations at destinations such as Cardigan Fields, Knights Park, XScape Yorkshire, and Milton Keynes.
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Drivers who sign up for RAW Rewards will also be eligible for free charging at the new hub on Thursday, October 8, and Friday, October 9.
However, this offer is only available through the ChargePoint app and does not apply to contactless users.
The hub is expected to significantly improve charging access in the region and support the growing demand for sustainable transport.
It is also expected to help reduce carbon emissions in line with regional and national net-zero targets.