SWARCO Smart Charging is to launch a new nationwide ultra-rapid EV charging network to provide greater availability for drivers.
The new charging network PoGo aims to create over 2,000 ultra-rapid chargepoints for the network over the next four years. This ambition will see the company identify and create more EV charging locations to increase the availability for drivers to access charging facilities. Each location will have multiple charging options.
This will help incentivise the adoption of EVs in the UK, with availability being one of the barriers facing the industry. SWARCO will look to provide destination chargepoint options to offer convenient methods to charge EVs whilst also integrating seamlessly into local communities.
This will see chargepoints strategically positioned with easy access to public amenities, coffee shops, food outlets and more.
“We are leveraging our considerable experience and learnings from the last 12 years to create a new network which will put the EV driver at the very heart of our operations,” said Justin Meyer, managing director of SWARCO Smart Charging.
“We know that accelerating the installation of suitable charging infrastructure is needed to support the current and future demands of EV drivers.
“That requires not only the most reliable technology, but also finding the best sites, and having a team with the drive, passion and know-how to deliver an exceptional experience, and support people on their electric journey.”
This new network will provide a much-needed boost to the UK’s nationwide EV chargepoint rollout with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) having noted a “significant fall” in the rollout of new EV chargepoints in Q4 2022 compared to the same period in 2021. This saw a decrease from one new chargepoint for every 42 new EVs to one per every 62.
On average in 2022, only one standard public charger was installed for 53 new plug-in cars registered, which SMMT has called “the weakest ratio since 2020”.
“We will be building the PoGo network across the length and breadth of England, Scotland and Wales so that wherever you are, or wherever you want to go, you will know that you can rely on PoGo,” said Eugenio Herrero, executive director of PoGo at SWARCO.
“By building a nationwide network of ultra-rapid chargers with full driver support, we hope to encourage more drivers to make the switch to electric.
“We are working closely with landlords to ensure an even spread across the UK so PoGo drivers can travel to each corner of the country through our ultra-rapid offering.”
