London’s first open-access lamppost EV charge points will be installed by char.gy, after the network agreed a partnership with Southwark Council to offer drivers on-street units within the local authority.
The 50 initial units will be installed in two areas – Borough & Bankside, and Dulwich – and will be accessed using any standard Type 2 public charging cable, activated via char.gy’s website.
Any smartphone browser will be able to load the char.gy webpage; with no app, RFID card, or special cable required to access the unit. Existing lamppost charge points are live in London from ubitricity, though these require a specific cable to access, and are designed for residential use.
The first charge points are now live on Holmdene Avenue in Herne Hill, with the remaining units due to be completed in the next few months.
The lamppost-based charge points allow EV drivers to charge their cars even when there is no access to off-street parking for residents or visitors – a key consideration for plug-in car drivers in urban areas. Installation is also easier and cheaper than fitting a stand-alone unit, with less work required and an electricity supply already available.
Richard Stobart, CEO of char.gy, said: “We’re very excited to launch the first-ever open and publicly accessible lamppost EV charging units on the streets of London, with our initial roll-out in Southwark. char.gy’s mission is to help more local EV drivers and visitors to the capital charge their plug-in vehicle – making charging your car as convenient as charging your phone, at home, while sleeping.”
