Category Archives: Evolt

Evolt wins a place on the new Scottish Framework to install EV charge points

Evolt, the electric vehicle (EV) charge point supplier, has been selected by the Energy Saving Trust Limited (EST) as one of the companies to provide EV charging solutions on a new Scotland-wide framework agreement.

Evolt_Rapid_Charger_Evolt

The new framework includes the right to tender, be selected, or quote for the installation of rapid, commercial and domestic charging units on the mainland and in the Highlands and Islands. The announcement follows a full tender and is effective immediately to an initial expiry date of December 2018.

Having established itself as a significant player on the Scottish EV charge point supplier market over the past five years, Evolt has supplied in excess of 1,100 charging points to 24 local councils and many private businesses in Scotland.

Justin Meyer, General Manager at Evolt, says its commercial charge points’ reliability was a key factor in being selected for the new framework:

“Our equipment is installed in both urban and rural environments, including on remote islands such as the Shetlands, and has helped to drive forward Scotland’s sustainability agenda over the past five years.

“As a part of the new framework agreement we remain in a strong position to encourage and facilitate the ever-increasing take up of EVs in Scotland.”

Included in the 1,100 Evolt charge points installed in Scotland are 85 of the top-of-the-range Evolt Rapid chargers. Each unit can efficiently charge two EVs to 80% of their battery life within 30 minutes through a 50Kw DC and 43Kw AC outlet.

Justin adds that the units are user-friendly, tamper proof, simultaneous charging functionality on both fast and rapid charge points and contain a built in 3G communications modem enabling remote monitoring of the charging process and charging data collection:

“This functionality enhances our strong reputation for offering a high quality charging solution that is backed up by an efficient and effective service support.

“It is a testament to the durability of our technology that we have been able to successfully install and maintain our equipment in the testing weather conditions experienced in the highlands and on remote islands.”

Source: Evolt press release

John Osorio of Evolt and Cllr Janet Willis, Cumbria County Council Cabinet member for Environment, at the charging site in Kendal (Image: Evolt)

Evolt’s Rapid Charging network for EVs sparks the Cumbrian ‘black spot’

Evolt, the Electric Vehicle (EV) charge point supplier, has completed the installation of Cumbria’s first publicly accessible EV Rapid charging network, which is now available for public use.

John Osorio of Evolt and Cllr Janet Willis, Cumbria County Council Cabinet member for Environment, at the charging site in Kendal (Image: Evolt)
John Osorio of Evolt and Cllr Janet Willis, Cumbria County Council Cabinet member for Environment, at the charging site in Kendal (Image: Evolt)

Nine locations across the county now benefit from a top-of-the-range Evolt 50Kw Rapid Charger that can efficiently charge an EV within 30 minutes. A further Evolt 7Kw Fast Charger, ideal for quick ‘top-ups’ during short stay visits, has also been installed at four of those sites (Carlisle, Kendal, Workington and Keswick). The other five sites are comprised of Whitehaven, Ulverston, Kirkby Stephen, Kirkby Lonsdale and Ambleside.

Evolt, which is a division of the APT Controls Group, won a competitive tender to supply its charge points from Cumbria County Council in November 2015.

Councillor Janet Willis, Cumbria County Council Cabinet member responsible for Environment, explains that Cumbria now provides a low carbon transport solution:

“Up until now there have been limited charging facilities in Cumbria,” she says. “I’m sure this project will help open up the county to more electric vehicle drivers and make a real difference, both in Cumbria and nationally.”

The installation process included three stages: firstly, initial civil works including excavation and inserting power cables, ensuring the power infrastructure is in place; secondly the physical charge points’ installation; and finally their connection to a back office management system that remotely monitors each charge point. After testing, the charge points have been made ready for public use.

Justin Meyer, General Manager of Evolt, explains its chargers will positively impact the lives of EV and Hybrid drivers in and around Cumbria:

“The new network will drive forward EV activity in the region, with the infrastructure actively supporting the ambitions of an ever-increasing industry.”

Suzanne Burgess of Solway Renewables initially proposed that the Council should seek funding from OLEV:

“There has been significant interest surrounding the charging network, and it will make a substantial difference to individuals, small business and the tourist industry that is hugely important for Cumbria,” she says. “It’s time to get the word out that Cumbria is open to electric vehicle drivers.”

Source: Evolt Press Release

Dundee Cabs charge points

Evolt’s charging infrastructure sets example to the ranks!

The Evolt Electric Vehicle (EV) charge point infrastructure supplied and installed by APT Controls at the Dundee taxi company 203020 has become an ‘ideal model’ for cab firms looking to go electric, according to its CEO David Young.

Dundee Cabs charge points
Dundee Cabs charge points

203020 is increasing its fleet to 100 fully electric vehicles, making it the largest EV taxi fleet in the UK.

Dundee is currently vying with seven other cities for £20 million of funding to become the UK’s electric taxi capital – and Evolt is playing a significant part in helping to achieve this.

APT Controls was selected after a full tender process as the key supplier to 203020’s fleet of 30 EVs, and has subsequently installed five top-of-the-range 50kW Tri-Rapid chargers, which efficiently charge vehicles in half an hour, and a further ten 7kW chargers that are ideal for quick ‘top ups’.

David says Evolt came highly recommended:

“Two companies informed me of its reliability, and when it came to choosing a product, Evolt really stood out.

“The equipment is very well installed, maintained to high levels and we have never had a problem with their use – which is testament to the manufacturer’s quality since each Rapid Charger is in consistent use with approximately 17 and 21 charges every day.”

Now the charging infrastructure is in place, David says that another 100 EVs are currently on order:

“Since the EV programme started one year ago, over 30 taxi firms from all over the UK have visited to see our set up,” he says. “It’s an ideal model of environmental success, and Evolt has really helped in driving it forward with its reliable charge points.”

David says 203020 will have 100 EVs on the road within six months:

“This time next year every vehicle we own will be 100 percent electric, and with that expansions come an increased use of the charge points. Two of our Rapid chargers are already the busiest in the UK, and our original 30 EVs will very soon reach 1,000,000 miles, saving hundreds of tons of carbon emissions.”

Justin Meyer, General Manager for Evolt, anticipates an increased role in the future:

“The take-up of EVs, and therefore the increased need for charge points, is accelerating and we forecast significant growth in the supply of our EV charging solutions to taxi companies as well as to local councils for their fleets and initiatives.”

Evolt’s Rapid Charging range of 50kW DC and 43kW AC output systems is made up of two carefully designed products; the Compact Charger and the Advanced Charger. Both are proven systems allowing EV charging at AC and DC outlets on the unit (when enabled). Each unit also has a built in 3G communications modem enabling remote monitoring of the charging process and charging data collection (where needed). And its 7kW dual-socket range is robustly designed and features an intelligent tamper-proof opening mechanism to increase security.

Source: Evolt via Gravity London

Evolt Charge Point in Liverpool (Image: Evolt)

Evolt EV Charging points support Merseyside’s eco-ambitions

Liverpool City Region’s (LCR) drive towards creating an eco-friendly environment is being helped by APT Controls, which has completed the installation of 28 of its Evolt Electric Vehicle (EV) charge points.

Evolt Charge Point in Liverpool (Image: Evolt)
Evolt Charge Point in Liverpool (Image: Evolt)

Merseytravel, the executive body that provides professional, strategic and operational transport advice to the LCR’s Combined Authority, and the body responsible for coordinating bids and projects, chose Evolt after a full tender process.

Amy Coulson, Programme Development Officer at Merseytravel outlines LCR’s e-mobility strategy:

“It sets out our commitment to promoting the use of EVs across the region, and this includes installing a charging network for an even greater public take up of environmentally friendly transport. Evolt are helping us deliver this.”

Fourteen Evolt charge points have been installed and are available for public use at sites across Merseyside including rail stations, hospitals and the Seacombe Ferry Terminal; a further 14 have been strategically placed at sites of importance for the local authority, such as council buildings and NHS depots.

Of the 28 chargers, a mix of 7kW dual wallmount and 7kW standard dual posts were installed, forming the first phase of Recharge, the LCR’s scheme to encourage the public and the local authorities to simultaneously decrease their carbon footprints.

“The LCR, which includes seven local authorities, is committed to leading by example and has recently been awarded funding by the Office for Low Emission Vehicles to introduce 23 Ultra Low Emission Vehicles into its fleets over the coming year,” Amy continues.

Justin Meyer, General Manager of Evolt, anticipates that Evolt will remain integral to the Recharge scheme as it progresses through the phases:

“We have developed a significant relationship with the LCR, helped by our experience of dealing with local councils across the country, and are now the EV charge point supplier of choice in the City Region.”

Source: Gravity London

Evolt reports record year for its EV charging business

Evolt has recorded a record year for its Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging business – 12 months that has seen a significant increase in sales and market share in an increasingly competitive commercial charging landscape.

The company, which began installing some of its first single commercial chargers more than five years ago, has since grown to become one of the largest providers of single, dual and multiple commercial charging points across the UK.

It currently has more than 4,000 of its Evolt-branded charging points installed, from the south coast of England to the Shetland Islands of Scotland. It also has a further 160 Rapid Charging stations in place to meet the needs of an expanding customer base that includes 60 Local Authorities and a large number of private businesses

Justin Meyer, General Manager, says that its engagement with leading consortia and strategic alliances with two of the key industry players have served to consolidate its position as a true market leader:

“We have quickly established a 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,” he says.

“Our growth and increased market share reflect the growing popularity of electric vehicles, 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,” he continues. “We have exciting plans for 2016 and will continue to invest in new technologies over the next 12 months.”

2_justin_meyer_evolt_csAmong the new solutions planned for early 2016 is an 800-Volt Rapid Charger with an innovative design, a 20kW triple headed Rapid Charger, and an advanced home charging unit with a number of bespoke features that will ensure that an EV unit can be installed in every home.

Other new innovations include a series of battery storage systems consisting of a 50kW, 100kW and ultimately 250kW capacity. These will enable expansion of the EV charging network where the power supply is constrained, as well as the ability to work with Green renewable energy sources.

Source: Gravity London