Pop-up electric vehicle charge points
The UEone pop-up charge point from Urban Electric was used in the Oxford trial. (Photo: PRNewsfoto/Urban Electric). |
Electric vehicles (EVs) reduce a driver's environmental footprint in a number of ways, including reducing pollution and conserving non-renewable fuel resources. However, they require a little forward thinking to ensure that the EV has the power it needs. From refuelling to pricing, electric car charging stations are crucial.
In August 2017, London boroughs received funding to provide residential charge points to assist those who did not have access to off-street parking. This funding supported a number of innovative new approaches such as using lamp posts as the base and power supply for charge points.
Another innovative approach is the pop-up charging station. These pop-up systems provide curbside charging for EV drivers who park on the street in residential zones and may not have access to reserved charging stations.
Pop-up chargers are designed to be flush with the pavement, so they do not interfere with walkways or create trip hazards. Until it is activated by a user, the charging portion of the device is hidden underground.
This approach to EV charging has been tested in two parts of the country:
- In Oxford, a trial through Urban Electric saw the installation of app-operated UEone prototype devices around the city. The trial was co-funded by Innovate UK in partnership with Duku and Oxford City Council. This programme was completed in April 2020.
- Another prototype funded by Innovate UK is the flat, flush Trojan Energy charging system. The initial phase began as a small trial in July 2021; over time, 150 pop-up charge points will be installed across the London boroughs of Brent and Camden.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- ECA and UKPN launch EV guide.
- Electric car charging stations - what you need to know.
- Electric vehicle future.
- Electric vehicles.
- Electric vehicles in 2021.
- London car charging infrastructure.
- New style EV charging stations.
- Opportunities for EV charging.
- Two thirds of local authorities have no plans to install EV chargers.
[edit] External resources
Featured articles and news
Introducing or next Guest Editor Arun Baybars
Practising architect and design panel review member.
Types of rapidly renewable content
From forestry to agricultural crops and their by-products.
Terraced houses and the public realm
The discernible difference between the public realm of detached housing and of terraced housing.
Put digitalisation and sustainability at the core of curricula
Project management educators are urged.
Looking back at the influence of climate events
From a designer and writer: 'There are limits to growth but no limits to development'.
Terms, histories, theories and practice.
Biophilic design and natural light
Letting in the light and natural elements into spaces.
APM Programme Management Conference 2024
Strategies for Success.
Residential takes the reins as contract awards even out
Contracts down, but remain above the last quarter of 2023.
Celebrating Eid and the largest mud-brick building.
Barry Kingscote claims prestigious CIOB CMYA Award.
The British Mosque: an architectural and social history
The story of some 1,500 mosques or more in Britain.
Heat pump refrigerants, efficiencies and impacts
R12 to R1270 what are the differences?
Global heat pump market in 2023
Challenging times with positive but modest outlook.
Beyond the infrastructure pipeline
Opportunities and chokepoints.