Friday, March 29, 2024
- Advertisement -
Home Technology Rail company extends EV roll-out with more charging points

Rail company extends EV roll-out with more charging points

The roll-out of Electronic Vehicle (EV) infrastructure is well underway on the Thameslink, Great Northern and Southern railway network, with new charging points and parking bays added to the next wave of stations.

Rail operator Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) is currently completing the second wave of the roll-out, after unveiling its dedicated EV charging hub at Hatfield station in September 2020, which at the time was the largest in UK rail, with 27 points.

Strengthening its commitment to the country’s green recovery, the rail operator is now in the process of installing EV charging points at a further 10 stations across Thameslink, Great Northern and Southern routes. These include Luton, Luton Airport Parkway, St Albans, Elstree & Borehamwood, Cooksbridge, Harpenden, Watton at Stone, Bayford, Palmers Green and Potters Bar.

Advertisement

In partnership with Pod Point, a leading provider of EV charging infrastructure, the installation of EV charging points is part of GTR’s focus on supporting green travel options and will help to meet increasing consumer demand for electric vehicles.

Keith Jipps, Infrastructure Director at Govia Thameslink Railway, said: “Getting the train is a greener way to travel, but we need to think about how people are getting to our stations. By improving EV infrastructure across the network, we’re providing better accessibility and convenience for those who already use electric vehicles, whilst encouraging others to consider EV to make their total journey more sustainable.”

By January 2022, GTR will have a total of 179 charging points across 37 stations, which will be available for public use.

Bim Afolami, MP for Hitchin and Harpenden, welcomes the new charging points at Harpenden station. He said: “If we’re serious about encouraging the public to switch to greener modes of transport, then there needs to be suitable infrastructure in place to allow this to happen. The new EV charging points at Harpenden station will provide huge benefits to the local community and encourage more residents to consider buying an electric vehicle.”

Erik Fairbairn, Founder and CEO, Pod Point, added: “Pod Point’s vision is for travel that doesn’t damage the earth and this partnership is exciting as it allows UK commuters to experience truly integrated electrified transport. It also makes it easier for drivers to choose electric, by offering a convenient alternative to home or workplace charging – particularly important to those without off-street parking. The partnership is setting a blueprint for EV charging across the rail industry and we’re looking forward to powering up even more stations as the roll-out continues.”

The installation marks a milestone in a wide-ranging station improvements programme being undertaken by GTR, which encompasses more than 230 stations and over 1,000 individual projects. Read more here: Improving your stations | Thameslink Railway.

Photo credit: GTR

image_pdfDownload article

Most Popular

DRS takes delivery of 25 new JNA-Z box wagons from VTG Rail UK

Direct Rail Services (DRS) has taken delivery of a fleet of 25 brand new JNA-Z box wagons from VTG Rail UK, the country’s leading...

SYSTRA employee named one of Planner Magazine’s Women of Influence 2024

The Planner Magazine has selected Jenny Jefferies, Technical Expert - Consents at SYSTRA, as one of its Women of Influence for 2024. Jenny, who is...

ORR review leads to 50 per cent reduction in maximum fees for ticket refunds

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has announced that, thanks to new rules, the maximum fee that train operators and ticket retailers can...

East West Rail to hold drop-in events ahead of statutory consultation

East West Railway Company (EWR) will hold a series of information events in May, helping people to understand how the formal application process to...
- Advertisement -