Electric Car Charging Launched in UK Shopping Centers
by Sami Grover, Carrboro, NC, USA on 06.17.08
Electric Vehicle Charging Points Continue Spread
We’ve reported before on plans by EDF energy to roll out 250 electric vehicle charging points across the UK - now we hear via our friends at GoinGreen (whose fancy new designer G-Wiz from Ella Doran we posted on last week) that the charging points are actually beginning to appear. ‘Elektrobays’ were unveiled in partnership with Capital Shopping Centers in 9 locations across the UK, including Braehead, Glasgow; Chapelfield, Norwich; The Chimes, Uxbridge; The Glades, Bromley; The Harlequin, Watford; Lakeside, Thurrock; MetroCentre, Gateshead; The Potteries, Stoke-on-Trent and The Victoria Centre, Nottingham. GoinGreen were even on hand at London locations to offer free test-rides. The following press release from Capital Shopping Centers offers more details on the car charging scheme:
“ The charging points are simple to use with recharging cables and access keys freely available from the shopping centres. An electronic key communicates by wireless to the recharger unit. When a valid key is read the weather-proof access panel automatically opens where the recharging lead from the vehicle can be inserted. Upon closing the access panel, it locks securely and power is turned on to supply 240 volts AC at 13 amps, the same as a domestic electricity supply.
Last year the charging points, known as Elektrobays achieved industry recognition for their technical and environmental contribution by winning both the “Industry Innovation Award 2007” at the Greenfleet Awards and the “Highly Commended” award for Industry Innovation Design at the EAST Awards. By extending their options and supporting the required re-fuelling infrastructure for electric cars, we believe motorists will feel more confident and comfortable in moving towards greener driving and reducing their CO2 emissions.”
More on Electric Vehicles (EVs) in the UK
Electric Vehicle Charging Continues to Spread Across London
New Electric Vehicle Recharging Points for Central London
Free Charge Up for Electric Cars
Think! EV Reviewed on the Streets of London
UK Utility to Install 250 Electric Vehicle Charging Points
NICE Electric Car Company: Is It a Car, Is It a Van, Is It a Vectrix?
::Liberty Investments::via GoinGreen::
I just keep wondering what it is that's creating the electricity for these? Is the electricity being created in an environmentally healthy way?
240 volts AC at 13 amps available at shopping plazas.
Super !!!
Now the Electric car is viable as common transportation outside of downtown London.
(However, I would have preferred a higher Amp rating to let faster charging rates be applied. 240 volts AC at 13 amps is 2860 watts, or 2.86kW per hour. An ideal BEV battery pack will be at least 20 kWh and eventually 40 kWh. Charging in 1 or 2 hours is ok, charging in 10 hours is not as good, but at least it is better than no charging availability at all. )