Electric vehicle charging points installed in Wichelstowe parking spaces
ONE of Swindon’s largest housing developments now has electric vehicle charging installed to increase the use of eco-friendly transport
More than 130 parking bays in Wichelstowe have the cutting-edge technology set up so that visitors and people living there can plug in their electric cars when they park up.
This is one of the first developments in the country to include electric vehicle charging facilities beyond private driveways.
Around 3,000 homes will be built on the 250-hectare site over the next 20 years along with three primary schools, a secondary school, pitches, allotments and nature conservation areas.
The project is a joint venture between Barratt Developments and Swindon Borough Council.
Council leader David Renard said: “I’m proud to see Wichelstowe leading the way again with an electric vehicle charging network that is available to visitors as well as residents and whether you live in a four-bedroom home with a driveway or a stylish waterside apartment.
“Having such an extensive network of charge points will help give people the confidence to make the switch to electric.”
The first phase of 208 homes is being finalised by Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, with the first villagers moving in later this summer.
It is hoped that offering such extensive and open access to electric car charging facilities will encourage home buyers to choose this type of transport.
Provided by Connected Kerb, the infrastructure will support more than 130 charging points across the development with 20 active chargers immediately installed into shared parking bays.
The split design, with chargers housed safely below ground connected to a small plug-in socket or wireless charging pad above ground, makes for a small and sleek roadside units.
Wichelstowe project director Daniel Pavely added: “In line with our strong commitment to sustainability and the environment, the electric vehicle charging network at Wichelstowe is bold and forward-thinking. Installed in the ground alongside parking bays, the technology will allow the residents and their visitors to be able to charge their electric vehicle from the shared parking facilities – unlike many other developments where this is only really possible for people with driveways.
“The system will make electric vehicles a realistic, practical choice for hundreds of residents who will benefit and connect to an EV network.”
Connected Kerb’s chief operating officer Andy Carr added: “The EV revolution is here and the Wichelstowe Project is an example of the innovative approach needed for the inclusion of this infrastructure in new residential developments.”
Source : swindonadvertiser
