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SSE Enterprise has secured government funding for a £5.2 million electric vehicle (EV) pilot scheme to help drivers without off-road parking charge their cars.
The Park and Charge project, which is part-funded by a £3.4 million grant from Innovate UK, will see the company install 300 chargers at charging hubs in up to 35 local authority-owned car parks across Oxfordshire.
SSE Enterprise is part of a consortium building the scheme which includes the Zeta Group, Oxfordshire County Council, Oxford University and [ui!]uk.
Kevin Welstead, director of SSE Enterprise’s EV team, said: “SSE Enterprise is recognised as a leader in EVs hub infrastructure technology, providing innovative options for EV users, from big fleets to individuals.
“Encouraging drivers to embrace the EVs transition is key to supporting the UK government’s Net Zero by 2050 ambition.
“Lack of off-street charging is a real barrier to EV take up in many local areas and our innovative approach will enable residents to opt for an EV, even though they do not have a home charging point.”
Future of mobility minister, Michael Ellis, said: “We’re charging up the transport revolution and investing in technologies to transform the experience for electric vehicle drivers.
“Ensuring the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles is reliable and innovative is encouraging more people to join the record numbers of ultra-low emission vehicle users already on UK roads.”
Under new rules being proposed by the government, house builders will be obliged to fit electric vehicle (EV) chargers in all new homes with access to a parking space.
The amendments to existing building regulations are forecast to save nearly £700 million over the next 30 years or so through reduced retrofitting costs. They are expected to take effect in the first half of 2020.
Earlier this month SSE announced that it would be electrifying its fleet of around 3,500 vehicles.
SSE director of group change Brian McLaren said: “Decarbonisation is at the heart of what we do and low carbon emissions from transport is critical if the UK is to meet its net zero targets.
“As a major fleet operator and property occupier across the UK and Ireland, the commitments being made through EV100 and EP100 are in line with SSE’s ambition to deliver low-carbon infrastructure in a sustainable way.”
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