Transport for London has selected five suppliers to fund, maintain, operate and install a network of rapid charging points for electric taxis:
Five suppliers have been selected so that a competitive market is created, with the aim of keeping prices low. A maximum rate will be guaranteed for pay-as-you-go users for the first two years. Drivers will be able to pay at the charge point using a credit or debit card, and will have access to call centres for technical support, and will be able to find the location and availability of charging points through websites and apps. TfL intends to make location data available for use by app developers.
The rapid charging points would charge a vehicle in around 30 min, compared with 3 to 4 h when using a standard unit. The first 75 are due to be installed by the end of the year, with the same number to be installed next year and 150 more by 2020, to give a total network of 300 rapid charging points. TfL is also considering ‘strategic hubs’ of several charging points on arterial roads, as well as on private land such as Heathrow Airport and Shell service stations.
TfL is investing £18m in the project, which includes upgrading the power supply in areas where the charging points are to be installed.
Continue reading
‘Transport for London has selected five suppliers to fund, maintain, operate and install a network of rapid charging points for electric taxis’.
I would hope that the installation comes after the funding and hopefully the maintenance is needed after the operation. Aviation buffs with long memories may recall the Twin Pioneer. The cabin had a plaque saying that the aeroplane was ‘built and designed by Scottish Aviation’ Those who have flown in one will agree that to do some design work first would have been a Good Idea.
There is still the matter (or, rather, absence) of practicality. At worst refuelling currently might take 8-10 minutes. At 30 minutes you are effectively parking not queuing. One petrol/diesel/LPG pump can deal with 15 cars per hour. At thirty minutes, a charging point could only manage up to 48 cars per day and more likely half that number.