Flowbird Smart City UK has completed its first local authority EV charge point pilot project for Wokingham Borough Council, with the infrastructure upgrade working to meet demand for the growing use of EVs across the borough.
Wokingham EV drivers can access Flowbird Smart City UK’s App which charges for both the parking session and the kW consumed – this trial allows the council to offer combined or separate parking and charging rates. The app can be accessed by registered users or guests.
It is also planned that – in two months’ time – Flowbird Smart City UK’s Cale web terminal will be linked directly to the charge points. This will be the first time a parking pay and display terminal will provide options for everyday park and charge users, making EV charging easier and more inclusive, the partnership said.
Danny Hassett, Flowbird’s managing director Smart City UK, said: “Wokingham’s new EV connectivity will be innovative, as linking a payment terminal to a charge point is a new development in parking and charging.
“As EVs move from early adopters to the mainstream, people need simple ways to both park and charge and the option to pay in whichever ways suits them. And councils need ways to price both parking and charging separately or as a bundle. This solution will meet both needs for the first time.”
The system is backed up with a 24/7 support line – to help end-users troubleshoot any unforeseen operational issues – offering a solution to out-of-service terminals that frustrates users and deters EV uptake.
The new EV charge points – located in three parking sites across the borough at Dinton Pastures Country Park, Carnival Pool MSCP and Shute End Eastern car parks – are all three-phased, which give out a 22kWh charge, and support all new EVs that utilise a standard AC charger.
Geoff Hislop, parking manager, Highways and Transport, at Wokingham Borough Council, added: “We chose Flowbird Smart City UK for this trial as their solutions are both cutting-edge and reliable. We are confident we now have infrastructure that will support the demand for electric vehicle use now and in the future.”
