The largest electric vehicle (EV) charging hub at a UK railway station has been opened at Hatfield in Hertfordshire by the transport secretary Grant Shapps.
Rail operator Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), in partnership with Pod Point, has installed 27 chargers at Hatfield station, resulting in a 150% increase in public EV charging devices in the Welwyn Hatfield district.
The charging points will provide additional accessibility and convenience for customers using the Great Northern and Thameslink station, and as part of the project, 12 new charging points have also been installed at Haywards Heath train station in West Sussex.
The locations were chosen as a result of a heat-mapping exercise conducted by the rail operator, which revealed EV ownership and sales ‘hot spots’ around the UK. The new charging points are in addition to the existing 114 in place across the GTR network, which have all undergone improvements as part of the project.
Tom Moran, managing director for Thameslink and Great Northern, explained: “We’re delighted to officially unveil our new EV charging hub at Hatfield station. This is part of a much wider programme of works to improve station facilities at every station across the GTR network and give a better experience to our passengers.”
Transport secretary Grant Shapps said: “We’re taking great strides towards our goal of having one of the best electric vehicle infrastructure networks in the world. This means a network for current and future electric vehicle drivers that is affordable, reliable, accessible and secure.
“Today’s landmark announcement ticks all those boxes and will make journeys on road and rail much greener for local residents, commuters and businesses.”
Erik Fairbairn, founder and CEO of Pod Point, adds: “We are delighted to be working with Govia Thameslink Railway on this landmark EV charging installation. Our continued partnership with GTR is making it easier for drivers to choose electric and will help accelerate adoption.
“We see the GTR EV charging hubs at Hatfield and Haywards Heath as a blueprint for EV charging across the rail industry. It offers connected electrified transport for all UK commuters and for the millions of drivers without off-street parking it provides a viable and convenient alternative to domestic or workplace charging.”
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