Char.gy has announced that it is one of Transport for London’s contractors on the Go Ultra Low City Scheme Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Framework.
The framework aims to install 1,150 on-street EV charge points by the end of 2020, with the lamppost specialist one of eight contractors for the scheme.
Able to be fitted to lampposts and running off existing electricity supply, Char.gy units are simpler to install than conventional ‘in-ground’ charge points.
Able to be fitted to almost any lamppost, Char.gy units can charge at up to 7.7 kW, with users simply plugging in and using their mobile web browser to start and stop the charge.
Payment is either on a pay-as-you-go basis, or regular users can sign up to a subscription service, with monthly costs covering much of an EV driver’s expected charging requirements.
Richard Stobart, CEO of char.gy, said: “We are very excited to support London Councils in getting charge points onto the streets of London, making it possible for anyone to own an electric vehicle – particularly those in the capital without off-street parking.
“We see this as a big step in reducing vehicle emissions across London, a very important step in the government’s ‘Road to Zero’ strategy, and it is great to be supporting London’s borough councils in meeting this demand.
“Char.gy is the first UK public lamppost charge point provider to support ad-hoc electric vehicle charging using power from existing lampposts. Our easy-to-install charging units provide a cost-effective EV charging infrastructure for councils using 700,000 lampposts across the capital.”
The EV charging network provides councils with a dedicated portal for full visibility of lamppost-based charge points in the local authority’s area. This allows for monitoring to ensure service agreements are met, see where expansion would be required, and remotely upgrade units.
Cllr Julian Bell, London Councils’ Chair of Transport and Environment Committee, said: “We each recognise the importance of improving air quality for Londoners and London Councils are leading the way in rolling out electric vehicle infrastructure across London by taking innovative new technology, such as using the power from lighting columns to charge vehicles, and scaling it up to provide safe charging solutions more accessible for Londoners.
“This is an exciting step in providing London boroughs with the means to purchase and install electric vehicle charge points. Together, London Councils will continue to work with partners to improve our air quality and help clean up London’s air.”
Find existing Char.gy points on Zap-Map, with new ones added as they go live