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
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.
Licensing construction in the UK
As the latest report and proposal to licence builders reaches Parliament.
Building Safety Alliance golden thread guidance
Extensive excel checklist of information with guidance document freely accessible.
Fair Payment Code and other payment initiatives
For fair and late payments, need to work together to add value.
Pre-planning delivery programmes and delay penalties
Proposed for housebuilders in government reform: Speeding Up Build Out.
High street health: converting a building for healthcare uses
The benefits of health centres acting as new anchor sites in the high street.
The Remarkable Pinwill Sisters: from ‘lady woodcarvers’ to professionals. Book review.
Skills gap and investment returns on apprenticeships
ECA welcomes new reports from JTL Training and The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership.
Committee report criticises UK retrofit schemes
CIOB responds to UK’s Energy Security and Net Zero Committee report.
Design and construction industry podcasts
Professional development, practice, the pandemic, platforms and podcasts. Have we missed anything?
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.