Isra-Mart srl:Chargemaster powers up universal EV re-charge network

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Isra-Mart srl news:

A leading supplier of electric vehicle (EV) charging posts has expanded its project to create a uniform charging network across the UK in a bid to encourage the uptake of battery-powered cars.

Chargemaster will today confirm that Cambridge and the west London borough of Hillingdon have become the latest regions to join its Chargevision scheme, which allows drivers to use any one of the company's posts located in the areas with a single access card.

The lack of a common charging system across different regions is seen as a key barrier to the widespread rollout of EVs, with drivers fearing they will not be able to recharge their cars on reaching their destination.

Customers have to register to use the public posts free-of-charge in their region, but in many cases, they cannot access technology installed by another local authority.

Chargemaster chief executive David Martell said ensuring charge posts installed across the UK are interoperable will be a crucial step in encouraging the take-up of EVs.

"Interoperability is something that will greatly contribute to the government's carbon reduction plans by making vehicles more usable," he said. "There has been some criticism of the lack of flexibility in operating EVs and interoperability is crucial."

Today's news means that in total, four areas are now taking part in the project following the launch of Chargevision in Oxford and Milton Keynes last month. The company is also talking to all the councils involved in the government's plugged-in-places scheme to roll out the scheme further.

As well as being able to recharge in all four areas, drivers will be able to see a real-time map displaying available charge posts, while councils will be able to measure energy consumption and forecast future usage.

Hillingdon, which is the centre for a major government-funded Ford demonstration project for EVs, will be given a further boost today when Southern Electric Power announces it will install 14 public charging bays across the borough.