A new electric car charging solution has been launched that aims to revolutionise the housebuilding industry, saving time and money for developers.
With the UK Government having made it a requirement to introduce mandatory charge points in new homes and commercial buildings in England, the BriXcell is a simple, compact solution that can be easily installed during the construction phase of any new build. It contains the entire EV charging point infrastructure within a brick-sized construction pack that can be fitted as part of the existing building process.
BriXcell is being launched in partnership with Scottish-based solutions firm Eco Group, as part of its EcoGoZero range of products aimed at helping businesses, homeowners and the UK achieve net zero targets. Eco has exclusive UK distribution of the product, which will lead its Eco V range of solutions for electric vehicles.
The BriXcell construction pack is built into an external wall during the construction process, with the internal cabling contained within the infrastructure of the property. The electrical connection system is wired at the first fix stage, with a decorative cover fitted. The decorative cover is swapped for a charge point when needed by the new homeowner, ensuring the warranty begins at the point of requirement.
“We see this product as a game changer for the new-build industry. What started as a sketch on a piece of paper almost three years ago has developed into a fit-for-purpose product which we can now take to the market,” said Tim Gardner, part of the four-strong team behind the BriXcell.
“Traditionally these types of products have been surface mounted, but we challenged ourselves to restrict it to the size and shape of a standard brick so it can form part of the construction process. The BriXcell has been through a rigorous testing process and the feedback we have received so far from the industry has been extremely positive.”
Eco Group’s EcoGoZero portfolio of products focuses on decarbonised travel, decentralised energy and infrastructure innovation. The firm is based in Annan in Dumfries and Galloway.
“The main advantage of the BriXcell to a house builder or developer is that they don’t need to change any of their existing processes to install it, which saves money and time. It really is as simple as laying a brick. And when the homeowner moves into the property, the charge point is ready for them to use,” Gardner continued.
Gardner brings more than 30 years of experience in the new-build industry to the BriXcell team, which also includes Jonathan McFarlane, who is Managing Director of plastic injection moulding company Plastic Engineering Solutions; Nick Glover who is Managing Director of electronics firm Cursey Technology; and James Glover who is a director of Viridian EV, which specialises in electric car charging products. They are all based around Cirencester in Gloucestershire.
The brick-sized construction pack can be fitted as part of the existing building process.
“The BriXcell is an excellent example of what can be achieved when a great concept, design and technology comes together to create a simple yet innovative solution,” said Eddie Black, Managing Director of Eco.
The design features of the BriXcell include 32 amp (7Kw) fast charging, flame retardant polymers (UL94-VO) that meet Glow Wire test 960, either type 1 or type 2 plug holder for the charge cable when not in use, and IP54 water and dust resistance. It also includes an LED halo for charger status, luminosity for night-time charging, security features, and a cable tidy.
“We believe it can make a big difference in the move towards a more sustainable future, and we are excited to be collaborating with the BriXcell team to bring it to market,” Black concluded.
