A new trial involving FreeWire, Westminster City Council, Centrica, and Zipcar will study the use of mobile EV charging technology, compared to traditional static charge points.
FreeWire’s systems have already been trialled in London at BP forecourts, but this case will see the mobile charging units used with Centrica and the Zipcar electric fleet in the capital, bringing the charge point to the car, rather than the other way around.
Proposed benefits of the FreeWire system are that it reduces the costs of installing EV charge points in the ground, and increases the options for those EV drivers that don’t have access to off-street parking.
Having recently seen investment from both BP and Volvo, FreeWire is expanding its presence in the UK, and this trial helps offer indications as to the feasibility of the company’s mobile charging system in a variety of settings.
Arcady Sosinov, CEO of FreeWire Technologies, said: “Our team is thrilled to present our mobile charging solutions for real-world applications in the United Kingdom. We hope this feasibility study will prove that flexible EV charging can be effectively integrated in cities in the UK and around the world.”
Jonathan Tudor, Technology Strategy and Innovation Director for Centrica Innovations, commented: “Around 40% of the UK’s homes have no access to off-street parking, so it’s essential that we find cost-effective alternatives to home charging that will meet the growing demands of existing and future EV drivers.”
“We’re delighted to be working with leading innovators and entrepreneurs like FreeWire, who have a key role to play in helping to unlock a cleaner future for our towns and cities.”
