The new facility is designed to meet the growing demand for high-speed charging options as the United Kingdom continues its shift away from internal combustion engines. According to the project specifications, the hub will consist of a sophisticated mix of charging units tailored to different user needs. Specifically, the site will host 16 chargers with a capacity of 150kW and four ultra-rapid 300kW chargers. These power levels are significantly higher than standard public charging points, allowing drivers to add substantial range to their vehicles in a matter of minutes rather than hours. This speed is particularly crucial for a high-traffic location like the Stadium of Light, where visitors, residents, and match-day fans require efficient and reliable power solutions.
Central to the project is its alignment with Sunderland AFC’s broader environmental objectives. The charging hub will be powered by 100% renewable energy, ensuring that the transition to electric mobility is supported by truly green power sources. This move is a cornerstone of the club’s "Ready Eco" strategy, an ambitious roadmap designed to position the organization as a leader in sports-sector sustainability. Under this framework, Sunderland AFC aims to become entirely energy-sufficient through renewable sources by the year 2028. Looking further ahead, the club has set a target to achieve net-zero status by 2040, a goal that requires a comprehensive overhaul of its energy consumption, waste management, and transport logistics.
Paul Kingsmore, the Chief Operations Officer at Sunderland AFC, emphasized the dual benefits of the project, noting that it serves both the club’s supporters and the wider community. He stated that by installing a state-of-the-art EV charging hub at the Stadium of Light, the club is not only improving the experience for fans and visitors but also supporting the wider transition to cleaner, greener transport across the North East. His comments reflect a growing trend among professional sports organizations to leverage their physical assets—such as stadiums and training grounds—to provide essential services that benefit the public while advancing ecological goals.
The financial backing for this project comes from RAW, a company specializing in electric vehicle charging solutions. The firm has invested approximately £750,000 into the city of Sunderland to bring this hub to fruition. This investment is part of a larger national trend where private capital is increasingly flowing into EV infrastructure to keep pace with the rising adoption of electric cars. Recent industry reports suggest that infrastructure is finally beginning to catch up with consumer demand, following significant capital injections across the sector totaling hundreds of millions of pounds. By choosing the Stadium of Light as a primary location, RAW is capitalizing on the stadium’s status as a regional landmark and a focal point for community activity.
To celebrate the launch of the new hub and to encourage fans to engage with the new technology, the club and RAW have announced a special promotional event. On the 8th and 9th of October, coinciding with Sunderland’s home fixture against Brighton, fans will be able to utilize the charging bays free of charge. This initiative is part of RAW’s wider scheme to promote the benefits of electric vehicle ownership and to demonstrate the ease of use associated with ultra-rapid charging. By timing the offer with a major home game, the club ensures maximum visibility for the project, introducing thousands of match-goers to the reality of accessible, high-speed green energy.
