Zapgo opens ultra-rapid EV charging site in Livingston
EV charge point operator Zapgo has opened a new ultra-rapid charging site at Klondyke Garden Centre in Livingston, West Lothian, bringing high-speed EV charging to a key location in Scotland’s central belt.
The new site features two charging bays served by a 200kW ultra-rapid charger. It gives electric vehicle drivers the opportunity to add significant range within minutes, helping to make longer journeys more convenient.
The location also offers drivers access to a range of facilities while their vehicles charge. Klondyke Garden Centre includes a garden shop, outdoor plant area and Topiary Coffee Shop. The café serves breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea, alongside special events throughout the year.
For drivers travelling through the area, the site provides a practical place to combine charging with a short break. Klondyke Garden Centre sits just three minutes from the A71, putting the new charger within easy reach of a major route through central Scotland.
Zapgo believes the location could serve a significant number of drivers travelling between Edinburgh and Ayrshire. An estimated 7.5 million to 9.5 million journeys take place between the two areas each year.
Livingston charging infrastructure expands
The new Zapgo site arrives as EV adoption continues to grow in and around Livingston. However, the local public charging network has not always kept pace with that increase.
Latest figures from the EV charging dashboard show that the area has historically had limited public charging provision. There are currently just 0.02 public chargers per electric vehicle, while EVs now account for 5.1% of all vehicles in the area.
That combination highlights the importance of adding reliable, high-powered charging infrastructure in locations that drivers already visit. For fleet operators and private motorists alike, convenient access to rapid charging can play an important role in making electric vehicles easier to use.
The Livingston site also reflects a wider shift in the way charge point operators are deploying infrastructure. Rather than relying solely on dedicated charging hubs, operators are increasingly looking for destinations where drivers can make productive use of charging time.
Garden centres, retail sites, hospitality venues and other destinations can all provide useful charging locations. Drivers can shop, eat or take a break while their vehicles recharge, reducing the need to make a separate charging stop.
Zapgo says this approach forms a central part of its strategy as it expands its network.
Neil Mahapatra, CEO of Zapgo, said: “We’re very pleased to be launching our latest site at the popular Klondyke Garden Centre in Livingston. The site not only provides much-needed charging for the many visitors to the site but also gives drivers on the A71 a pleasant place to stop, recharge, and grab a bite to eat before continuing their journey between Edinburgh and Ayrshire.”
Ultra-rapid charging for local and longer-distance drivers
The 200kW charger provides a substantial increase in charging power compared with many older public charging points. Actual charging speeds will vary depending on the vehicle and its battery, but compatible EVs can take on a significant amount of energy during a short stop.
That matters increasingly as more businesses and motorists move towards electric vehicles. Drivers need confidence that public charging will fit around their journeys rather than dictate them.
For fleet managers, charging locations close to established routes can also support more practical vehicle utilisation. A well-positioned charger can allow a vehicle to recharge during a scheduled break rather than requiring an additional journey.
Ross Mabon, COO of Zapgo, said: “Zapgo’s new site at Klondyke Garden Centre in Livingston provides welcome public charging capabilities to an area increasingly frequented by EV drivers. Our new site reaffirms Zapgo’s strategy in installing chargers in places drivers want to spend their time already. We look forward to visitors to the garden centre using the new charger as well as the many drivers who stop off in the area as part of longer journeys.”
The opening also strengthens the charging options available to EV drivers using the A71. The route connects communities and destinations across the central belt, making accessible charging particularly valuable as EV numbers continue to increase.
Introductory Zapgo charging price
To mark the opening, Zapgo is offering an introductory charging price of 50p per kWh at the Livingston site.
The promotional rate runs for two weeks, from Monday 5 October until Monday 19 October. It gives drivers an opportunity to try the new charging facility while visiting the garden centre or travelling through the area.
The launch also highlights the growing role that destination businesses can play in supporting Scotland’s transition to electric transport. Adding charging infrastructure can help businesses attract EV drivers while providing an additional service for existing customers.
David Abbot, CEO of Klondyke Group, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Zapgo to provide ultra-rapid EV charging. As more local residents and visitors make the switch to electric vehicles, we’re pleased to be able to provide an important piece of infrastructure that supports that change. It’s also a great fit for us as the local garden centre; giving customers the convenience of charging while they shop, enjoy a coffee or simply spend some time with us.”
Charging where drivers want to stop
The Livingston opening reflects a broader change in the UK’s public EV charging network. As electric vehicle numbers rise, drivers need charging infrastructure that combines speed, accessibility and useful amenities.
Zapgo’s decision to locate its latest charger at Klondyke Garden Centre follows that principle. Drivers can charge their vehicles while using facilities that are already part of their journey.
For local EV drivers, the site adds much-needed ultra-rapid charging capacity. For longer-distance motorists, its proximity to the A71 provides another convenient option between Edinburgh and Ayrshire.
As Scotland continues to expand its electric vehicle infrastructure, locations that combine charging with everyday destinations are likely to become increasingly important. The Livingston site demonstrates how charging can become part of a wider journey rather than simply another stop along the way.
