Good Energy has become the latest supplier to launch an EV charging service, after having EVs in its sights for a long time.
The ‘all-in-one’ EV charging service, dubbed ‘One Point’, will be for businesses looking to offer destination or workplace charging.
The green energy supplier will recommend, install and maintain the charging services, having agreed partnerships with Swarco and RAW Infrastructure. The charge points will be supplied with 100% renewable energy by Good Energy.
SWARCO eVolt Rapid Chargers (Image: eVolt)
Four chargers have been installed at the Watergate Bay Hotel in Cornwall in the pilot of the scheme. The chargers are embedded with smart, load balancing technology, Good said, enabling smart charging
Lessons from the pilot are to be used to expand the full offering to businesses across the UK, and hopefully simplify the installation of chargers for businesses.
As EV uptake increases, destination and workplace charging will be important for “large numbers of drivers”, Good said, providing an important opportunity for businesses as well as helping to decarbonise transport.
Tim Wynn-Jones, head of energy solutions at Good Energy, said: “The EV market is currently fragmented and complex, but it will soon be essential for UK businesses to offer charging — to their employees, visitors and customers.”
East Lothian Council has selected SWARCO eVolt to supply electric vehicle (EV) charging units for its current project to introduce a number of charging hubs across the county to provide essential infrastructure for EV drivers and lower emissions in the area.
In total, SWARCO eVolt is supplying 45 charging units, including 11 of its Rapid Chargers capable of charging two vehicles simultaneously in 30 minutes, across 28 sites in the county.
A new central charging hub is being introduced in each of East Lothian’s six largest towns – Musselburgh, Tranent, Haddington, Dunbar, North Berwick and Prestonpans – and will feature multiple charging units, including Rapid Chargers.
SWARCO eVolt is supplying 45 charging units, including 11 of its Rapid Chargers capable of charging two vehicles simultaneously in 30 minutes, across 28 sites in East Lothian (Image: eVolt)
As well as the central town hubs, charging units are also being installed at car parks and on-street in a number of the county’s smaller towns and villages. In some cases, these installations include the replacement of older units to offer the latest available technology to local residents and other drivers.
Ryan Robertson, Roads Officer at East Lothian Council, says SWARCO eVolt’s positive reputation in Scotland made them an obvious choice:
“Our aim is to promote the use of EV’s to the residents of East Lothian and provide them with the essential infrastructure they need to use and charge their EV’s, including in some of the most rural areas in the county. And that requires a reliable supplier, capable of fulfilling our plans.
“SWARCO eVolt came well recommended and were selected after a thorough due diligence process. So far they’ve been fantastic. We have a local maintenance engineer who is always available to provide support and first-class customer service.”
Justin Meyer, General Manager at SWARCO eVolt, says:
“Scotland is leading the way for EV’s and EV infrastructure, so we are pleased to be supporting East Lothian Council and its project to promote the use and uptake of EV’s. We are pleased to see our proven and reliable charging units making a real difference to the local residents and visitors.”
Highways England has awarded two contracts worth a total a £2.8m to install 50 electric vehicle charging points across the country over the next nine months.
The deal is part of Highways England’s aim to ensure 95% of its motorways and major A roads are within 20 miles of a charge point.
The contracts have been awarded to BP Chargemaster to carry out work in the north of the country and Swarco UK Ltd in the south and include initial installation and commissioning of facilities followed by ongoing operation and maintenance for a seven-year period.
Highways England’s Mark Collins, Environmental Designated Fund (Carbon) portfolio manager and project lead said:
‘To help improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions we’re introducing more electric charging points, at locations near to the network, for example at nearby town centres. This shows that we are looking ahead to meet the future demand for this facility.
‘This contract is about supporting drivers of electric vehicles using our network. It will give them additional charging facilities just off England’s motorways and major A roads to help them make longer journeys and reduce the anxiety of potentially running out of power. We look forward to the benefits this will provide drivers on our roads.’
SWARCO eVolt, the award-winning Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging business, has reported a record year in which it has continued to innovate, deliver the highest levels of customer satisfaction, and increase its market share through the strength and reliability of its technology and engineering teams.
The company, which began installing its first charging points more than eight years ago, has now grown to become one of the largest providers of single, dual and multiple commercial charging points across the UK.
It currently has more than 6,250 of its eVolt-branded charging points installed throughout the country, in addition to a further 343 Rapid Charging stations to meet the needs of an expanding customer base that includes more than 88 Local Authorities and a large number of private businesses. It also launched SWARCO E.Connect, a highly sophisticated EV recharging network for eVolt and third party-manufactured charging stations across the UK and Europe.
Charging Hub with eVolt Rapid Chargers (Image: SWARCO eVolt)
It ended 2018 with news of a major new contract to deploy several hundred of its DC Rapid Charging stations for Engenie over the next 12-18 months, as well as being named Charging and Refuelling Infrastructure Provider of the Year at the 2018 Green Fleet Awards.
It has also announced plans to recruit a further nine front-line engineers and call centre staff, a new Head of Sales, Anne Buckingham, the former Head of Electromobility at Siemens, and launch new 100KW and 150KW versions of its proven Raption Rapid Charger.
Justin Meyer, General Manager at SWARCO eVolt, says the key to its success has been the reliability of its products: “In 2018 we recorded a network uptime of 99.38% which is exceptional,” he says, “and of course leads to exceptionally high levels of customer satisfaction. Our investment in EVs for our service engineers also contributes to the highest level of first-time fixes for any issues that do occur.”
Justin believes the company’s growth and increased market share also reflect the growing popularity of EVs, as more local authorities and private businesses look to meet their ‘green’ responsibilities and realise the benefits that EVs can deliver. Fleets of electric buses, taxis and council vehicles are all increasing, leading to an increased demand for charging points, and the opening of the first ever EV Rapid Charging ‘hub’ in Scotland. Two more ‘hubs’ have been installed by SWARCO eVolt since.
“We have an established reputation as the ‘go to’ supplier for commercial EV charging infrastructure solutions, respected for the range and reliability of our systems and a strong support network right across the country,” Justin continues. “But we realise that to stay on top we need to continue to innovate.
“To that end we will be launching a series of new e-mobility products and services in 2019, with a particular focus on further integration with intelligent traffic technologies inherent within the SWARCO Group.”
SWARCO eVolt has been named as Charging Refuelling Infrastructure Provider of the Year in the Green Fleet Awards, capping a remarkable 12 months in which the business has continued to dominate the Electrical Vehicle (EV) charging market.
Recognised not only for the reliability of its technology, but also the quality of its service, SWARCO eVolt has to date installed more than 6,250 commercial charge points throughout the country. This is in addition to in excess of 330 Rapid Charging stations to meet the needs of an expanding customer base that includes more than 88 Local Authorities and a large number of private businesses. It has also expanded its presence within the private sector with customers including Royal Mail, Heathrow Airport, Diageo, Scottish Power, Engenie and many more.
SWARCO eVolt Scoops Top National Award (Image: SWARCO eVolt)
It is perhaps for its most recent work in creating one of the UK’s first ever charging point ‘hubs’ in Dundee, however, that SWARCO eVolt has come to the judges’ attention, scooping its first ever GreenFleet Awards title.
Angela Pisanu, editor of GreenFleet magazine, said: “Recent analysis of 50 rapid-charge points over a six-month period demonstrated that their uptime was an impressive 99.85 per cent. This reliability, together with the cost-effectiveness and ease of use of its charge points, made SWARCO eVolt this year’s winner of the Charging & Refuelling Infrastructure Provider of the Year Award.”
Justin Meyer, General Manager at SWARCO eVolt, confirmed it has been a remarkable year: “Winning this award reflects the hard work and commitment of our nationwide team in delivering best-in-class EV charging solutions to our clients. With an exciting number of new innovations and announcements due in 2019, we will not be resting on our laurels.”
Marston’s Inns and Taverns is to become the first UK pub company to roll out rapid electric vehicle chargers after announcing plans to work with Engenie to install 400 at sites nationwide.
The 50kW chargers will allow up to three cars to charge at each site simultaneously and will be powered by 100% renewable electricity.
Marston’s, which has an estate of over 1,600 pubs across the UK, says the installations will provide the building blocks for a nationwide network of rapid chargers.
eVolt Rapid Chargers installed in Aimer Square, Dundee (Image: eVolt)
Andy Kershaw, head of facilities management and projects at the independent chain, said: “Our goal is to become the UK’s most environmentally efficient pub business. By partnering with innovative and customer-focused organisations like Engenie, we’ll continue to hold ourselves and the sector to the highest possible environmental standards.”
The chargers will be provided by SWARCO eVolt, offering contactless payment for ease of use and are compatible with all EVs currently on the market.
Justin Meyer, general manager at SWARCO eVolt, said: “Marston’s is a forward-thinking company that puts its customers first. Engenie, with its customer-centred approach, is the perfect fit for Marston’s and we are delighted to have been selected as their chosen solution provider.”
SWARCO eVolt, the nationwide supplier of electric vehicle (EV) charging points, has launched SWARCO E.Connect, an EV Recharging network for eVolt and third party-manufactured charging stations across the UK and Europe.
The location and live status of all charging points can be viewed online or via a dedicated App on the automated live-map, while a journey planner feature gives drivers the opportunity to carefully plan their route and identify the available charging points on the way, should they need to stop and recharge.
EV drivers can join SWARCO E.Connect for free online or via the mobile app store, with no connection fees for charging their EV at any of the charge points across the network in the UK and Europe. For those who do not wish to, or are unable to access the app, an RFID access card can be purchased for a one-off cost of £10; subscribers simply need to tap their card on the reader on the charger unit to connect their account.
For charge point owners, SWARCO E.Connect can be integrated into existing parking management systems and can also incorporate fault management processes so that any historic, technical issues with the charge points can be viewed. Advanced reporting tools including environmental impact statistics, such as comparative national data on carbon emissions, can be accessed via the online portal. Automated usage statistics are delivered in a weekly report.
SWARCO E.Connect is compatible with all charge point manufacturers and service companies to ensure the most efficient uptime across the network, with all faults being reported immediately and not requiring manual intervention. It can also be integrated with other SWARCO products and services.
Justin Meyer, General Manager at SWARCO eVolt, says SWARCO E.Connect offers significant benefits to both EV drivers and charge point owners: “The advanced reporting tools available will give owners accurate and insightful data on the environmental impact of the charging points.”
“E.Connect is unique in the sense that EV drivers can join, access the network and charge their vehicle completely free of charge. We are committed to lowering emissions providing reliable and high-quality charging infrastructure across the UK, Europe and beyond.”
SWARCO E.Connect also operates a 24/7 365 days a year helpline for drivers and charge point owners to ensure that any issues can be addressed efficiently and effectively.
eVolt UK, the nationwide supplier of electrical vehicle (EV) charging units, has installed the latest versions of its rapid charging units for the first and largest purpose-built charging hub in the UK that includes solar power and energy storage.
The hub is located on Princes Street in Dundee city centre and features rapid charging units, 18 bays of solar canopies and an integrated energy storage system utilising second-life EV batteries. eVolt has also installed six of its Raption 50kW Rapid Chargers, capable of charging two vehicles simultaneously in approximately 30 minutes, and three 22kW eVolve chargers.
Solar EV Charging Hub on Princes Street, Dundee (Image: eVolt)
Fraser Crichton, Transport Officer at Dundee City Council, says the hub is a landmark development for the city
“We are so excited to have completed our latest EV infrastructure project as we continue to drive our e-mobility vision. With over 100 pure electric taxis in the city this hub will be vital to support our taxi fleet as well as benefitting the wider EV community ”
This is the second of three hubs to be introduced this year in Dundee through the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) Go Ultra Low programme. The first hub was introduced at Aimer Square in April and has been used frequently since its launch. Six rapid chargers and two eVolve chargers will also be installed at Queen Street car park later this year.
Justin Meyer, General Manager of eVolt UK, says:
“This is the first hub of its kind, combining EV charging, solar canopies and energy storage, we are proud to be supporting Dundee Council’s project to lower emissions and to encourage more people to make the switch to sustainable e-Mobility.”
The transformation of a once-vacant Dundee yard into a site dedicated to electric vehicles is “globally impressive” and could inspire cities across the globe, it has been claimed.
A new Princes Street facility complete with with solar canopies, charging points and electrical infrastructure, designed to meet all the needs of those taking to the roads in eco-friendly cars, was officially opened on Friday morning.
The city site was once a petrol station but had lain vacant until a £1.86 million investment from the Office of Low Emission Vehicles made the development possible.
eVolt Rapid Chargers installed in Aimer Square, Dundee (Image: eVolt)
Dundee has been hailed for leading the way in the use of electric vehicles – with 100 taxis in the city now running on electricity.
Visitors from as far afield as France, Germany, the US and New Zealand – in the city for a low emissions conference – were among those in attendance at Friday’s opening ceremony.
Cambridge City has selected eVolt UK to supply electric vehicle (EV) charging points across Cambridge for its Ultra Low Emission Vehicle Taxi project, which aims to increase the number of EV taxis used in the historic city.
The project, which is being primarily funded by the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV), will see eVolt install 21 of its Rapid and Fast Chargers across the city over the next three years. The first phase is underway, with two chargers already operational in the Adam and Eve Car Park (CB1 1DX). A further six Rapid Chargers will be installed across three other sites, due for completion by the beginning of September.
The three other initial sites include: car parks at Castle Hill and Arbury Court, and one on-street location in Newmarket Road, which initially will only be available for taxis. The Rapid Chargers are capable of providing 80 per cent charge to an EV Taxi in 30 minutes.
Cllr Rosy Moore, Executive Councillor for Environment and City Centre, says: “Installing these new rapid chargers for electric taxis marks a genuinely positive shift away from polluting diesel taxis.
“Work like this is one way the council is aiming to make it much easier for people to use electric vehicles, in order to help improve air quality for all of Cambridge’s residents plus all of those people who work in and visit the city.”
eVolt will work alongside Electric Blue, who are providing the remainder of the funding for the project and will also provide operational support throughout.
Justin Meyer, General Manager of eVolt UK, says eVolt is proud to support the project:
“We are committed to help Councils lower emissions, improve local air quality and provide reliable charging infrastructure where it is most needed. We anticipate that these units will help promote the use of EV taxis in Cambridge and encourage more drivers to make the switch.”
Cambridge was one of 10 councils in the UK to be awarded funding by OLEV in its competition for EV Taxi Infrastructure. The project aims to help reduce carbon dioxide emissions across the UK and provide cleaner air for a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.
