New deal aims to ‘fast-track’ UK electric charging

[Aurora]

TheGreenCarWebsite - 22/01/10

Electric car infrastructure development firm, Reuben Power plc has signed an exclusive agreement with precision engineering specialist Dynamatic Technologies Ltd this week to create a new driving force in establishing a complete EV recharging support system in the UK.

The agreement, signed in the presence of Trade Minister, Lord Mervyn Davies, during the course of his visit to the Dynamatic facilities in Swindon, is set to ‘fast track’ the establishment of a national recharging infrastructure.

Article continues ...

[adam2]

TheGreenCarWebsite - 22/01/10

Electric car infrastructure development firm, Reuben Power plc has signed an exclusive agreement with precision engineering specialist Dynamatic Technologies Ltd this week to create a new driving force in establishing a complete EV recharging support system in the UK.

The agreement, signed in the presence of Trade Minister, Lord Mervyn Davies, during the course of his visit to the Dynamatic facilities in Swindon, is set to ‘fast track’ the establishment of a national recharging infrastructure.

Article continues ...

It sounds to me as though they may be trying to overcomplicate what should be a simple matter.
"recharging support system" and "national recharging infrastructure"
Sounds to me like something more complex than posts with weatherproof 16 amp sockets on them, which is what we need.

No doubt they wish to develop a special non standard connector, not used for anything else, and useless for anything else. Preferably with some complex computer interface that will require every existing EV to be modified.

In central London we already have EV charging points. These consist of a post with a blue light on it, contained within is an standard industrial 16 amp socket. Access is via a key card that the owner of the EV obtains from the council.
Simply connected to the electricity mains like a street light.

[RenewableCandy]

How's it paid for?

[adam2]

How's it paid for?

It is free at the point of use, presumably paid for out of council tax, and the parking is free also.

The owner of the EV must first register it with westminster city council, they then receive a pass card to access the charging points.

AFAIK it is not going to be free forever, the eventual intention is to charge a flat monthly fee for the parking and charging of EVs.

[DominicJ]

what if some toe rag walking past pulls the plug, as it were?

[adam2]

what if some toe rag walking past pulls the plug, as it were?

Does not seem to be a problem in practice, though the charging points are in fairly law abiding areas.