Bigger, better electric vehicle charging network launches
A new West of England partnership has formed to revamp the region’s electric vehicle (EV) charging network and accelerate the take-up of zero or low emission vehicles.
Bristol City Council, along with local authorities for Bath and North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset, will be upgrading the current ‘Source West’ EV charging point network, as well as adding at least 120 new charge point connections across the four regions over the next year.
A new contract has been signed with Siemens Mobility, who along with key suppliers Alfen and ChargePoint Services will deliver EV charging, to improve services for EV drivers. It was developed following a research project last year, where existing and prospective EV owners were asked how the network should be run, managed and supported in the future. The research found EV owners wanted more charge points (including rapid charge points), in enforceable spaces, with better reliability. Source West members can keep up to date with changes to charge points at sourcewest.info.
On behalf of the four local authorities, Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, said: “In order to meet ambitious environmental goals, shared across the region, we must help people transition to low carbon and clean transport options. Upgrading our charging network is part of the answer and this will help both existing and future EV drivers to charge their vehicles more easily. Ensuring we develop a resilient charging infrastructure will give more people the confidence they need to embrace this technology.”
Scott Bishop, Electromobility Lead for Siemens Mobility Ltd – ITS said: “We are really pleased to have been selected to provide Electric Vehicle hardware, services and solutions on behalf of the Local Authorities in the region. Siemens will be responsible for delivering Electric Vehicle Chargers from our key suppliers including Alfen, Efacec and ChargePoint Services Ltd. We look forward to a successful project that delivers reliable Electric Vehicle Charging for residents and visitors to the area.”
Alex Bamberg, Managing Director at ChargePoint Services Ltd said: “We are very pleased to support the associated local authorities in their goal to reduce carbon output and improve air quality for all. Our platform will provide secure, reliable operation across the entire network of electric vehicle chargers, providing a critical service. Drivers will also have access to the National GeniePoint Network of EV chargers.”
Alex Earl, Alfen’s UK Country Manager, said: “With our UK base being in Bristol, we are particularly delighted to have been selected by the West of England partnership to roll out our charge points across the sub-region. With our focus on high quality, robust, intelligent units and our experience of over a decade producing EV chargers, we are confident that, together with our partners Siemens and ChargePoint Services, we will provide a high level of service to EV drivers and do our bit to reduce pollution in the area.”
The new charging network is funded by the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) who awarded the four West of England authorities £7.1million of funding as part of the Go Ultra Low West (GULW) programme. The project’s aim is to promote the uptake of electric vehicles, including plug-in hybrids, across the region.
The project also includes EV Car Clubs, EV trials, business grants, fleet conversion, EV freight consolidation and electric taxis.
Source: Bristol City Council (Hackney Vehicle and Private Hire Vehicle newsletter – 7th edition)