ubitricity wins contract to roll out 1,050 charge points in Richmond and Wandsworth
Richmond and Wandsworth Councils have appointed ubitricity to help them roll out a network of 1,050 public electric vehicle (EV) charge points – with 525 charge points being deployed in each borough.
ubitricity, a wholly owned Shell subsidiary, has a network of more than 7,000 public charge points in the UK.
Under the terms of the deal, ubitricity, will install and maintain the public charging infrastructure, meaning drivers will be able to use a new network of 5kW lamppost chargers and pay using their debit or credit card, or by using the Shell Recharge app.
The charge points, installed directly into existing street lampposts, charge at a speed of up to 5kW and take less than two hours to install. The rollout is planned for key residential and commercial locations, allowing residents easy access to on-street charging facilities. The councils have asked residents to suggest charge point installation locations, and these can be submitted through via websites.
Cllr Alexander Ehmann, Chair of Richmond Council’s Transport and Air Quality Committee, said: “Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more and more popular, with nearly two in every five new car sales being electric, but access to charging can be a barrier. Our residents often rely on cars due to the limited public transport network in Southwest London, so by expanding the charging network we hope that even more people will choose to go electric and help improve the air quality in our borough.
“For those who are wanting to try out an EV, the Zipcar Flex car club operating in the borough offers electric options. And for those who are having to scrap their car to comply with the ULEZ expansion, the Council is offering financial support for you to try car clubs through our Good Move Scheme.”
Toby Butler, UK Managing Director at ubitricity, added: “The current surge in EV sales is driving increased demand for charging facilities, and this can create issues for drivers who don’t have access to off-street charging where they live. By expanding their EV charge point network to provide convenient facilities for both residents and businesses using electricity from 100% renewable sources, Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are making the transition to EV easier and helping give drivers the confidence to make the switch.
“We’re delighted to be working with the Richmond and Wandsworth Councils and look forward to continuing to partner with them to support future developments.”
The agreement has been procured through the On-street Residential Charge point Scheme (ORCS), a grant funding for local authorities to install residential on-street charge points. The scheme aims to improve the availability of local Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure for residents without off-street (private) parking. Through ORCS funding, local authorities can receive a grant covering up to 60% of residential charge point procurement and installation costs.
This year’s Transport + Energy Forum includes a panel session on the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund which features participating councils, enabling local authorities to discover how to bid and learn from others who have obtained the funding. Qualifiying representatives from local authorities can apply for a fully funded place via the event website. The offer includes conference admission, accommodation and an evening celebratory/networking dinner, with day options also available.
Image courtesy of ubitricity.
