Category Archives: Milton Keynes

Free parking, bus lane access for electric cars

February 2, 2016Electric Cars, Energy and Climate Change, Milton Keynes, Opinion, Pollution, SalesTrevor Larkum

This is becoming a perennial topic here on TreeHugger. The Guardian reports that eight UK cities are being awarded funds to provide major electric vehicle (EV) perks in an effort to increase adoption.

Electric car charging and parking (Image: G. Wallace)

Those perks will include a solar-powered charger at a York park-and-ride, free parking in Bristol and Milton Keynes, as well as bus lane access in Milton Keynes and Derby.

Cue the environmentalist handwringing.

On the one hand, I am sure Lloyd will be worrying about electric cars making it harder to fix our cities. After all, cars driving in bus lanes will inevitably impact public transit. And free parking for private automobiles seems to be the antithesis of reclaiming the ridiculous amount of space we devote to the motor car. With a demographic shift away from the car apparently underway, we do need to keep an eye on where we spend our resources.

In the other hand, I tend to be a part of the “it’s not this or that” crowd. Given our current dependence on private vehicles, and British’ cities on-going battle against life threatening smog, I’d suggest that speeding up the transition to emission-free cars is a significant step in the right direction.

The only caveat to that is the fact that the £40m pot being shared between these eight cities should not detract from other, non-car based efforts to slash emissions. From electric buses to treating cycling as mass transport, we must also continue our shift away from the car.

But surely, if done right, increased use of EVs should help us on this front too? As our streets get quieter, and as our air gets cleaner, it becomes easier and more pleasant for us to walk and cycle. And that can only be a good thing for everyone.

Electric cars to be allowed in bus lanes

February 2, 2016Electric Cars, Milton Keynes, News, Reviews and Comment, SalesTrevor Larkum

Electric car drivers will be allowed to travel in bus lanes as part of plans to boost usage of low-emission vehicles in England.

Free parking spaces for plug-in car owners and streetlight charging points are also set to be introduced.

The government awarded cash to four areas which successfully bid for a share of £40m funding.

Transport secretary Patrick McLaughlin said the councils had shown “exciting, innovative ideas” for electric cars.

Nottinghamshire and Derby, Milton Keynes, Bristol and London qualified for a share of the cash.

‘World leader’

Bus lanes in Milton Keynes will be re-branded as low emission lanes giving plug-in vehicles the same priority as buses at traffic lights.

The town, which has been awarded £9m, will also build an advice centre offering short-term loans for electric car purchases.

It is also proposing to open all its 20,000 parking bays for free to electric cars.

Nottingham City Council will also open up some of its bus lanes, and use part of its £6m grant to install 230 charge points.

Govt announces winners of Go Ultra Low Cities funding

January 30, 2016Electric Cars, Milton Keynes, News, Reviews and Comment, SalesTrevor Larkum

Four UK cities have been awarded funds from a £40 million government project today (Monday 25th January) as the Go Ultra Low City Scheme has been launched to encourage the uptake of plug-in cars. Bristol, London, Milton Keynes and Nottingham each successfully bid for a share of the funds, with new technology and policies set to be trialled in each city.

https://youtu.be/Z_2KbeWTrSA

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin announced the winners, saying:

“These Go Ultra Low Cities have proposed exciting, innovative ideas that will encourage drivers to choose an electric car. I want to see thousands more greener vehicles on our roads and I am proud to back this ambition with £40 million to help the UK become international pioneers of emission cutting technology.

“The UK is a world leader in the uptake of low emission vehicles and our long-term economic plan is investing £600 million by 2020 to improve air quality, create jobs and achieve our goal of every new car and van in the UK being ultra-low emission by 2040.”

London has been awarded the largest proportion of the money with £13 million allocated to create “Neighbourhoods of the future”, prioritising ultra low emission vehicles (ULEVs) in a number of boroughs across the city. Plans include installing car-charging street lighting in a number of streets in Hackney to improve access to charging points, while Harrow will develop its own low emission zone with parking and traffic priorities given to owners of plug-in vehicles.

These projects will aim to help London have around a quarter of a million ULEVs on the capital’s roads by 2025 and plans to use ideas and incentives to encourage uptake. Similar plans put in place in Norway have seen the country become one of the most successful in the world in terms of ULEV uptake for residents.

Milton Keynes will use its £9 million fund to open an Electric Vehicle Experience Centre in the city centre. This will provide a one-stop shop for both potential and existing ULEV customers, with advice, and short term vehicle loans available. The city will also set-up all 20,000 parking spaces for free use by electric vehicle owners, and allow ULEVs the use of bus lanes too.

Bristol has been awarded £7 million for its plans to offer residents free residential parking for ULEVs in the city, along with access to three car pool lanes across the centre to improve traffic flow and air quality. More than 80 rapid and fast chargers across Bristol will also be available for use and a scheme to allow residents to lease a plug-in car for up to four weeks is intended to allow potential customers to see what they are like to live with day to day.

Record sales of electric cars in Milton Keynes

January 26, 2016Electric Cars, Milton Keynes, News, Reviews and Comment, Renault, Sales, ZOETrevor Larkum

The popularity of more sustainable transport among Milton Keynes residents continues to grow, boosted by record numbers of plug-in electric car sales in the run up to Christmas.

David Wallace from Oxley Park, Milton Keynes, receives the keys to his new Renault ZOE from Brayleys’ sales executive, Graham Glover

That’s according to Westcroft based dealership, Brayley Renault, which reported more than 30 sales of the 100 per cent electric Renault ZOE in December alone, a record for a single month.

The surge in electric cars on the roads of Buckinghamshire reflects the national demand for more environmentally friendly motoring.

Plug-in electric car registrations in the UK totaled 20,992 units during the first nine months of 2015, consisting of 6,951 pure electric cars and 14,041 plug-in hybrids.

Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show that total registrations during this period increased by 140 per cent from the same period in 2014, with all-electric car registrations growing 55 per cent year-on-year.

One of eight national pilot projects set up by the Government to explore and encourage the take-up of electric vehicles, the Milton Keynes Plugged-In Places Scheme now consists of more than 200 charging points in Milton Keynes and across the county.

A quarter of these are rapid charging stations, enabling a full charge in just 20 minutes. A number of local rail stations have also installed charging points and offer discounted parking fees for electric vehicles.

Paul Brayley, managing director of Brayleys Cars, said:

“Our Renault dealership in Westcroft has seen significant growth in enquiries and sales of all-electric vehicles as people become more aware of their environmental credentials, low running costs and excellent driving characteristics.”

Source: One MK

UK HOTELS TO INSTALL CHARGERS

January 26, 2016BP Chargemaster, Charging, Electric Cars, Milton Keynes, News, Reviews and CommentTrevor Larkum

Novotel and Ibis hotels in the UK will this year begin installing electric vehicle charging points which will be available to guests free of charge.

The announcement was made by AccorHotels, a French hotel operator of nearly 3,800 hotels worldwide.

Accor is collaborating with Chargemaster on the installation, and says the power points will incorporate the latest technology enabling drivers to replenish their vehicle batteries – either 7kw or 22kw – in one hour. They can charge both 7-kilowatt and 22-kilowatt batteries.

Accor managing director for the UK and Ireland, Thomas Dubaere, said that AccorHotels recognises that some of its customers are embracing low-emission vehicles and, consequently, charging points would be installed at its affiliated premises across the UK.

Source: Bodyshop Mag

Bids for Go Ultra Low Cities scheme go in

October 20, 2015Electric Cars, Electric Vans, Milton Keynes, News, Reviews and CommentTrevor Larkum

As part of the Go Ultra Low Cities Scheme, twelve local authorities have launched bids to win a share of £35 million worth of government funding to improve the uptake of ultra low emission vehicles (ULEVs). Each of the twelve cities or regions have put together bids for the money, which will be shared between two to four schemes and is funded from the UK Government’s £500 million Go Ultra Low funding programme.

The project aims to dramatically increase uptake of ULEVs

The intention is to make ULEV ownership and use as easy and convenient as possible, boosting the uptake in the area and dramatically reducing emissions output from vehicles. The government is aiming to make the successful cities examples of good practice, using the initiatives put in place to lead policy in the future and be showcase regions internationally.

The twelve cities shortlisted for Go Ultra Low status are: City of York Council; Department for Regional Development of Northern Ireland; Dundee City Council; Greater London Authority; Leicester City Council; Milton Keynes Council; North East Combined Authority; Nottingham City Council; Oxford City Council Sheffield City Council; West of England; West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Now that bids have been submitted, the organisers have revealed some of the proposals put forward by the cities which, if successful, could be rolled out in other parts of the country. These include:

A car scrappage scheme to replace conventionally-fuelled vehicles with ULEVs
Replacing existing council fleets with pure electric and ultra low emission models
Increasing ULEV salary sacrifice schemes to make ultra low emission vehicles more accessible
EV carpools for public and private sector workers
Energy-efficient LED street lights that double-up as electric vehicle charge points
On-street community charging facilities in locations where charging is presently impractical or limited
“Smartphone style” charge points with interactive screens and WiFi access
Long-term EV parking at major transport hubs
Enhancing usability and benefits for low-emission car club members with greater charging and parking options

Transport Minister Andrew Jones said:

“We are determined to maintain international leadership on the uptake of ultra low emission vehicles. I look forward to seeing the winning ideas for greener, cheaper cars in action. This funding for eco-cities is part of our £500 million funding programme over the next five years to support British industry and achieve our ambition of almost every car, bus and van in the UK being ultra low emission by 2050.”

Poppy Welch, Head of Go Ultra Low said,

“We’re excited by the passion and innovation demonstrated by cities across the UK, and we look forward to congratulating the UK’s first Go Ultra Low Cities. We will work closely with the winning regions to help increase motorists’ awareness of the variety, economy and practicality of ultra low emission vehicles through innovative schemes that incentivise purchase, increase use and enhance infrastructure.”

Lower cost electric vehicle charging in Milton Keynes

September 15, 2015BP Chargemaster, Charging, Electric Cars, Milton Keynes, News, Reviews and CommentTrevor Larkum

This is hopefully a good sign that drivers’ concerns over high charging costs are being listened to.

Milton Keynes Council and Chargemaster have announced an improved vehicle charging network, offering upgraded charging points and reduced costs for electric vehicle owners in the borough.

Low cost electric vehicle charging brought to over 200 charging points in Milton Keynes

Chargemaster, as Milton Keynes’ electric vehicle charging partner, has significantly reduced costs of charging private and company electric cars in the city, with prices now lower than the typical cost of charging at home.

The new POLAR Plus subscription scheme has a usage rate of just 9p per kWh with effect from August 10th, 2015 and applies to over 200 charging points in Milton Keynes including 50 rapid chargers recently installed under a government-funded scheme.

This compares with a typical home electricity rate of approximately 11p per kWh.

Membership of POLAR Plus costs £7.85 per month – similar to popular streaming services Netflix or Amazon Instant – and the first six months’ subscription is free.

Membership gives EV drivers unlimited access to over 4000 POLAR charging points across the country.

In addition, members can accrue usage points, enabling them to borrow, for one week, a range of electric cars through POLAR EXPERIENCE. This fleet includes the BMW i8 and Tesla Model S, as well as Nissan LEAF, Renault ZOE and the fun Renault Twizy.

In future, new EVs launching, including the Tesla Model X SUV and vehicles from Audi and Mercedes, will be available for members to sample shortly after their introduction.

Milton Keynes has already established itself as an extremely convenient location to own an electric car with more rapid chargers than any other city in Europe.

…

Milton Keynes Mayor Keith McLean, who test drove the BMW i8 this week, said:

“Electric cars are truly here to stay now with virtually every car manufacturer bringing out new plug-in models. I am proud that Milton Keynes now has such great facilities to encourage low emission vehicles.”

‘Electric taxis’ could now join the electric buses in Milton Keynes

June 21, 2015Charging, Electric Cars, Electric Taxis, Milton Keynes, News, Reviews and CommentTrevor Larkum

DEPUTY Prime Minister Nick Clegg has announced Milton Keynes will receive government funding of £1,875,000 towards installing a network of 50 rapid charge units for electric vehicles, capable of fully charging a vehicle in 30 minutes or less.

[From January 2014] The faster speed of charging opens up electric vehicle charging as a possibility for private-hire vehicles for the first time.

As private-hire vehicles can cover very high daily mileages, they would need several re-charges during the working day.

But the speed of rapid electric vehicle charging posts makes recharging ‘electric taxis’ a practical possibility.

Building on the recent launch of the UK’s first wirelessly charged all-electric bus route, Milton Keynes Council is working with organisations including Arup and ChargeMaster alongside local private hire companies as plans are developed to make sure the new rapid charge posts are installed in the best places for use by taxi drivers.

Electric cars charging in Central Milton Keynes

Private motorists will also be able to use the 50 rapid charge posts, which are expected to be installed in Milton Keynes by mid-2015.

There are currently 170 different types of electric vehicle charge posts in Milton Keynes which provide more than 4,000 charges to vehicles each year and this is growing more than steadily and has doubled this quarter since the end of the last quarter.

The rapid charge project will be delivered by a consortium in partnership with Milton Keynes Council, with funding coming from consortium partners and government.

Councilllor Keith McLean, Milton Keynes Council’s cabinet member responsible for transport, said:

“This funding is more good news for Milton Keynes.

“We’re already leading the way on electric transport, having launched the UK’s first all-electric bus service this month, and being among the first places to introduce an electric vehicle charging network.

“These faster charging posts will be appealing to electric car drivers and commercial users, and we’ll continue to work with partners to introduce new and innovative transport schemes locally.”

Source: MK Web

High demand for free electric car loan to Milton Keynes businesses

June 12, 2015Blog, BP Chargemaster, Charging, Electric Cars, Leaf, Milton Keynes, Nissan, Renault, ZOETrevor Larkum

After Milton Keynes Council’s electric vehicle partner Chargemaster Plc announced that it was offering a free electric vehicle loan service to Milton Keynes businesses – the company has seen a surge of interest, with the vehicles now being in ‘high demand.’

Chargemaster has a small fleet of electric vehicles (EV) that can be loaned to companies (and their staff) within Milton Keynes to allow them to experience an electric vehicle for themselves and to see what the benefits of electric motoring are.

A Renault Zoe and two Nissan Leafs are available for loan to MK companies. No charges are levied and companies have the free use of over 200 charging points in the Milton Keynes area including 56 rapid chargers which recharge these cars in less than 30mins.

Businesses in Milton Keynes are being given the opportunity to test out electric cars

Loan cars are available typically for two weeks at a time and are subject to availability on a first come first served basis.

Chargemaster require copies of drivers’ driving licences but otherwise there is no formal paperwork to complete.

This is a great way for companies to sample the benefits of EVs for themselves without having to buy a vehicle first.

With over 20 electric cars on the market from manufacturers such as BMW, VW, Audi, Renault and Nissan, there is a lot more choice within the EV market.

Over the next five years it is predicted that EVs are likely to become the mainstream vehicle with virtually every car manufacturer producing either plug-in hybrids or pure electric EVs with increasing range of over 150 miles.

Electric vehicles provide huge benefits such as low fuel costs, quieter engines and low emissions which will improve air quality in the city.

There are also considerable economic benefits for both companies and employees with very low benefit in kind taxes.

For further information contact Trevor via email (sales@fuelincluded.com).

Free Electric Car Parking at Milton Keynes Station

May 14, 2015Ampera, Blog, Charging, Electric Cars, Milton Keynes, Renault, Vauxhall, ZOETrevor Larkum

One of the best benefits available for drivers of electric cars is that London Midland provides free car parking at its railway stations.

This is particularly attractive at two of its stations, Milton Keynes and Watford, as they have very high parking charges (an annual season ticket at these stations costs £1200 and £1093 respectively).

Fuel Included ‘pop-up shop’ outside Milton Keynes Central railway station (Image: T. Larkum)

The deal is that London Midland provides a discount off a car parking permit at its station car parks for what it calls an “ECO friendly vehicle”. The discounts are as follows:

50% discount on monthly, quarterly and annual parking permits if the vehicle emits no more than 120g of carbon dioxide every kilometre (120g/km).
100% discount on monthly, quarterly and annual parking permit, if the vehicle is registered with the DVLA and has “Electric” fuel type. This can be checked on the vehicle registration document (V5C) sent by the DVLA.

Full details are given on the London Midland website for the parking permits and their associated discounts; they are very generous. Clearly if someone pays £200 per month to lease one of our electric cars, for example, they can get back half that money just from savings in parking charges.

Rapid Chargers next to Milton Keynes Central railway station parking (Image: T. Larkum)

We used this idea recently as the basis for a marketing campaign, in two parts. Firstly we set up a small ‘pop-up shop’ outside Milton Keynes Central station. This was done in a similar way to the school event we did late last year, with the ZOE on display and me chatting to passers-by. It ran for a couple of hours in the early evening to catch commuters on their way home.

Renault ZOE in Milton Keynes Central railway station multi-storey (Image: T. Larkum)

Secondly, we did a pass through the station car park a couple of days later, putting fliers under the wipers of cars with season tickets in the windscreen to give information on the discount and our offers. While there I noticed there was a new pair of rapid chargers installed outside and awaiting commissioning, so it definitely looks like a welcoming location for electric cars.

Vauxhall Ampera in Milton Keynes Central railway station multi-storey (Image: T. Larkum)

Inside the multi-storey part of the car park there were already a couple of EVs in residence, a Renault ZOE and a Vauxhall Ampera. With a bit of luck there will be a lot more soon.