SWARCO eVolt is to add five new electric vehicle (EV) charging points to its E.Connect network in an effort to support taxi electrification.
It is hoped that with the chargers going in at key locations across Basildon and Rochford, there will be an increase in the uptake of electric vehicles by local taxi fleets.
These locations include Basildon town centre, Billericay, Wickford, Rochford and Rayleigh, although this is subject to planning permission.
“We know, from work we’ve been doing with councils up and down the country, that taxis and private hire operators are open to switching to ultra-low emission vehicles, and based on their typical journeys using an EV makes perfect sense,” Justin Meyer, general manager of SWARCO eVolt, said.
This is SWARCO’s second project in collaboration with Basildon Council and Rochford District Council, with funding secured from the Department for Transport and the Office for Low Emission Vehicles.
The first phase saw the installation of chargers around the A127 between Basildon and Rochford District, with an aim of improving air quality along the stretch of the major road.
The second phase includes the delivery of the final charger installations for general use in car parks in Hockley and Billericay as well as the new taxi-specific chargers.
Seven eVolt Rapid and eight eVolt fast 22kW chargers for public use will have been installed overall, with a further five eVolt Rapids for the taxis.
Chairman of Basildon Council’s Infrastructure and Inclusive Growth Committee, councillor Adele Brown, said: “These latest installations are the start of something great and innovative in Basildon. I look forward to the initiatives that will come in the future, making Basildon greener and safer environment for residents.”
