Swarco is expanding its E.Connect EV charging network with the addition of 14 rapid chargers in Kent for registered taxis and private hire vehicles.
The new 50kW EV rapid chargers come as a result of Kent County Council winning UK government funding through the Ultra-Low Emission Taxi Infrastructure Scheme. Work to install the chargers across six different districts has begun and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Susan Carey, Kent County Council cabinet member for environment, said: “Much thought has gone into the location of these extra charging points to make them as convenient as possible. We hope they encourage more people to make the switch to electric.”
While taxi and private hire drivers currently have access to the public networks, the additional points will boost the charging infrastructure available to them, said the council. Additionally, some districts, where possible, are also said to be considering incentives appropriate to the individual sites, to further encourage switching.
Each of the rapid charging stations being installed and maintained by Swarco has two charging points, offering simultaneous charging of two vehicles. To begin with, one point will be for the exclusive use of taxis and the other will also be open for public use. However, the uptake of electric taxis and usage data will be constantly monitored and reviewed, and the second point can be restricted to taxis only.
