Evolt, the Electric Vehicle charge point supplier, has completed the installation of Cumbria’s first publicly accessible EV Rapid charging network, which is now available for use.
Nine locations across the county now benefit from a 50Kw rapid charger that can charge an EV within 30 minutes. A further 7Kw fast charger has also been installed at four of those sites (Carlisle, Kendal, Workington and Keswick). The other five sites are comprised of Whitehaven, Ulverston, Kirkby Stephen, Kirkby Lonsdale and Ambleside.
Evolt, which is a division of the APT Controls Group, won a competitive tender to supply its charge points from Cumbria County Council in November 2015.
Councillor Janet Willis, Cumbria county council cabinet member for Environment, said: “Up until now there have been limited charging facilities in Cumbria. I’m sure this project will help open up the county to more electric vehicle drivers and make a real difference, both in Cumbria and nationally.”
The installation process included three stages: firstly, initial civil works including excavation and inserting power cables, ensuring the power infrastructure is in place; secondly the physical charge points’ installation; and finally their connection to a back office management system that remotely monitors each charge point. After testing, the charge points have been made ready for public use.
Justin Meyer, general manager of Evolt, said: “The new network will drive forward EV activity in the region, with the infrastructure actively supporting the ambitions of an ever-increasing industry.”
Suzanne Burgess of Solway Renewables initially proposed that the Council should seek funding from OLEV. She said: “There has been significant interest surrounding the charging network, and it will make a substantial difference to individuals, small business and the tourist industry that is hugely important for Cumbria.”
Richard - 07/05/2016 17:07
This is very good news, but the cost of using these new chargers is far to high at 30p/kWh and a £20 membership fee. This cost will put local EV drivers off as they will use their home chargers and Ecotricity on the M6, and it will put off tourists as they will not want yet another high price card for what may only be one or two trips a year. The 30p/kWh cost will put running an EV up to a similar figure per mile as a polluting VW Golf diesel. Not good at all. Great Chargers but Charge Point Genie must lower their prices a Cumbrian EV driver