New electric vehicle (EV) chargers have been installed by Connected Kerb in Cambridge, with plans for a wider rollout in the works.
While below-ground infrastructure for 18 chargepoints was installed at the Cambridge Science Park during the project’s first phase, 12 chargepoints have been installed initially while demand is monitored.
It’s hoped the chargers will help encourage more drivers to adopt EVs, with charging available both for members and people visiting the park.
The charging technology – which connects to data and power provision systems, Connected Kerb said – also provides a platform for smart city innovations, including internet of things (IoT) technologies.
The interaction between IoT and EVs is being explored by a number of companies, with Car Charged UK selecting KORE as its IoT partner of choice earlier this week to help solve the issue of reliable connectivity for charging stations. Meanwhile, BP Ventures announced in June its plans to integrate IoT EV charging firm IoTecha’s products into its EV infrastructure following a US$7 million (£5 million) investment.
Cambridge Science Park and Connected Kerb are also working together to developer wider scale expansion plans as part of phase two of the project, with an ultimate goal of having at least 50% of all the parking spaces on the Park as EV chargepoints.
“Long-term value for money and scalable deployment coupled with a passion for innovation and a commitment to sustainability – Connected Kerb met all our criteria,” Jeanette Walker, director, Cambridge Science Park, said.
Connected Kerb is also working to tackle EV inequality, announcing a partnership with the London Borough of Lambeth last month which is to act as a blueprint that can be adopted at scale by other boroughs, councils and cities across Britain to deliver an inclusive and equitable EV transition.
