The City of London Corporation has given the go-ahead for Pan European Charge Point operator Qwello UK, to undertake a full upgrade of the Square Mile’s electric vehicle charging points.
The new technology will deliver a more reliable, convenient and accessible charging experience for all electric vehicle users. The charging points offer contactless payment, a reservation service via the Qwello app, 24-7 customer support and an integrated retractable cable with a Type 2 plug that reduces trip hazards, can be operated with one hand, and is compatible with all European and US EV-connection standards.
As the City Corporation progresses toward its Climate Action Strategy goal of becoming a net zero organization by 2040, encouraging and facilitating use of electric vehicles, powered by 100% renewable electricity, are among the priorities.
Works are scheduled to begin from Monday 7 August and will be completed in phases across the City’s owned car parks, including:
- Minories Car Park at 1 Shorter St (from 7 August to 13 August);
- Baynard House Car Park on Queen Victoria St (from 14 August to 20 August);
- 23 London Wall Car Park (from 21 August to 27 August);
- Tower Hill Car Park at 50 Lower Thames St (from 28 August to 3 September);
- Smithfield Car Park (from 11 September to 18 September.
Charging points at each car park will be temporarily unavailable whilst the upgrades are carried out, but a project website has been set up to enable customers to receive more regular progress updates.
Shravan Joshi, Chairman of the City of London Corporation Planning and Transport Committee, said:
“‘Much of central London and the Square Mile has experienced higher levels of air pollution than the rest of the UK, but through initiatives like these, we have been able to reduce the City’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions by more than 55%, since 2008.
“The City’s Climate Action and Air Quality strategies are already bearing fruit, delivering a clean and safe environment for the Square Mile’s residents, workers and visitors.”
Martin Hale, Managing Director of Qwello UK, said:
“We are very proud to have been selected to upgrade the charging points at these prestigious locations with the same solutions being enjoyed by other European cities such as Stockholm, Berlin, Frankfurt and Madrid.
“This builds on our other recent contract success where we’ve won on our core principles such as putting the driver first, high operational uptime, preventing nuisance parking, meeting accessibility standards and adding local social value.”