Thursday 19 September 2024
Old lamp posts to power EVs
A series of studies undertaken by the distribution network operator UK Power Networks has proven 5kW charge points can be installed on older lamp posts which have thinner cabling than more modern installations.
The study came after some local authorities on the South Coast of England were ordered to stop installing lamp post chargers on older legacy columns with different wiring.
The revised guidance is expected to help electric vehicle owners in towns and cities, where it is estimated that up to 60 per cent of people do not have access to off-street parking.
It will allow 133 local authorities operating in the UK Power Networks area to connect faster 5kW charge points to their lamp posts.
Local authorities will also now be able to push ahead with their plans to increase the number of chargers through the government’s Local EV Infrastructure Fund.
Charge point operator, Shell ubitricity estimates that for a budget of £1 million, local authorities could roll out 700-800 lamp post chargers compared to 60-75 Fast Dual charge points (7-22kW) or 20-25 Rapid Single charge points.
Mark Adolphus, director of Connections at UK Power Networks said: 'This is great news for customers and lights the way for a vast swathe of new electric vehicle charging stations across the region we serve. It underlines the importance of networks collaborating with the wider energy industry to ensure they can deliver with confidence and certainty.'
