Urban Electric has revealed the first photos of its UEone retractable charge point as it launches a £250,000 crowdfunding campaign.
A trial scheme – due for launch soon – will see residents of an Oxford street use six of the new UEone EV charge points with Ohme’s smart charging system and the free use of an electric car, run by the Co-wheels car club.
The UEone looks to provide on-street EV charging – both public and residential – while keeping street furniture to a minimum. When in use, the charge point is stands kerbside like many other units. When not required though, it can be stored below ground.
Urban Electric’s £250,000 equity crowdfunding campaign is running through Crowdcube, with new funds supporting an Innovate UK-backed project to install up to 18 second generation ‘demonstrator’ pop-up sites. Urban Electric has been awarded £452,000 as part of a £3.8 million Innovate UK project.
This will see the roll-out of more than 100 charge points in Dundee and Plymouth across the sites, prior to full commercial launch. Innovate UK’s Director of Clean Growth and Infrastructure, Ian Meikle, said the UEone “has the potential to be rolled out across the whole of the UK.”
Urban Electric co-founder Olivier Freeling-Wilkinson said: “In recognition of its critical role, the UK government this week announced additional funding for on-street charging. Pop-up charging hubs offer a scalable solution for more than 190 million on-street parking spaces in European cities alone, enabling those without off-street residential parking to switch to an EV.
“If you are one of the eight million UK drivers that park your vehicle on your street at night, the convenience of charging there as well while you sleep is unbeatable – simply plug-in when you get home in the evening for a full charge in the morning.”
