Swarco’s smart charging network is expanding with ten new rapid charging points installed across the North East for the taxi and private hire market.
The network, funded as part of the Office of Zero Emission Vehicles ultra-low emissions taxi infrastructure scheme, has seen 50kW rapid charging points installed at two locations in Newcastle, two in North Tyneside, and one in South Tyneside (which has two stations). There is also one rapid charger each at sites in Durham, Gateshead, Northumberland and Sunderland.
Out of the 10 rapid charging points, eight have been in full operation since July, with Swarco reporting it has seen 343 individual charging sessions. This has resulted in a total of four tonnes of CO2 saved. The remaining two sites are expected to come into operation later this year.
Swarco added the chargers, supplied with 100% renewable energy, have been located following research into vehicle dwell times and the most popular pick-up locations.
Justin Meyer, managing director at Swarco Smart Charging , said: “The new network will now give taxi and private hire firms across the North East the chance to electrify their fleets safe in the knowledge drivers will have access to charging points whenever they’re running.
“We’re happy to see the network now fully operational and we hope it will bring further confidence to other drivers across the city that converting to electric vehicles is possible now and not a distant dream. We will continue to work closely with Transport North East on the electrification of the North East.”
In tandem with the installation of the 10 new chargers, Transport North East will also be utilising Swarco’s E.Connect platform. This will allow them to manage and monitor the charging points remotely, ensuring downtime is kept to a minimum and chargers are available 24/7 whilst vehicles are operating.
Cllr Martin Gannon, chair of the North East joint transport committee, North East Combined Authority, added: “We know that taxis and private hire vehicles are used frequently used within the North East. Being able to provide these vehicles with reliable EV charging as an alternative to fossil fuels will allow us to significantly reduce the region’s carbon footprint.
“Thanks to the new network, we’ve laid the groundwork for further electrification of public transport systems. We’re excited to see more taxi and private hire businesses switch to electric and will work closely with them to utilise the new network as effectively as possible.”
Read more: Swarco set to install electric taxi charging infrastructure across Cardiff
