Free charging at Superhub on World EV Day
To mark World EV Day, Oxford City Council has teamed up with Wenea, Tesla, and Fastned to offer free public electric vehicle (EV) charging at the Redbridge Park & Ride Superhub on Thursday 29 September.
The Redbridge Park & Ride Superhub, which launched in July 2022, provides fast and ultra-rapid charging for 42 vehicles at once and is powered entirely by renewable energy.
Unlike any other UK charging hub, the site is directly connected to National Grid’s high voltage transmission network via a four-mile underground cable, which delivers up to 10MW of power and has the capability to charge hundreds of EVs simultaneously, without putting additional strain on the local electricity network or requiring costly upgrades.
The Superhub features ten Fastned ultra-rapid charging bays, twenty 7-22 kW charging bays by Wenea, and twelve 250 kW Tesla Superchargers.
The Superhub was installed as part of the Energy Superhub Oxford project, a £41m project delivered by Pivot Power, part of EDF Renewables, together with a consortium of global partners and is part-funded by the UK government.
The offer provides free electric vehicle charging only. Parking charges will still apply.
World EV Day
World EV Day, an annual event that highlights the progress in e-mobility, promotes the shift to electrified transport. It was originally due to take place on Thursday 9 September, but was rescheduled due to the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Approximately 4% of vehicles in Oxford are now EVs. Projections estimate this will need to increase to 24% of all vehicles by 2026.
Earlier this year, Britain’s first Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) pilot was launched in Oxford. As part of the scheme, all petrol and diesel vehicles, including hybrids, incur a daily charge unless eligible for a discount or exemption. However, zero emission vehicles, such as electric cars, can enter the pilot area free of charge.
Councillor Louise Upton, cabinet member for health and transport, Oxford City Council, said: “World EV Day is a celebration of all things electric vehicle and is about encouraging people to make the transition to electric. This year we have had lots of exciting milestones in the journey to electric, from the Zero Emission Zone pilot, to the opening of the Redbridge Superhub. I am delighted that the Redbridge Park & Ride Superhub is offering free EV charging as part of the World EV Day celebrations. If you have an electric car and have not used the Superhub yet, then now is your chance!”