Westminster City Council and ubitricity, the UK’s largest on-street electric vehicle (EV) charging technology provider, have joined forces. Together they have become the first in the UK to repurpose electric vehicle (EV) charge point technology into a power supply exclusively for market stallholders at Tachbrook Street Market in Pimlico, London.
As part of the renovation of Tachbrook Street Market consistent power will be provided to stallholders in a safe, more accessible and efficient way. WSP, one of the world’s leading engineering and infrastructure consulting firms, designed the electrical system and analysed the power demand of the traders.
ubitricity, part of the Shell Group, was appointed as an exclusive infrastructure supplier. They were tasked with reconfiguring the bollard infrastructure at the market into waterproof outdoor electricity points.
The bollards are simpler to operate, with stallholders accessing the electric supply using a bespoke cable. Paying for the electricity is through a QR code. This provides a much fairer and simple way to make payments.
There are 24 charge points with each delivering 3.6 kW of renewable energy at 16 amp/230 Volts. This is enough power, for example to power a rice cooker, large display warmer or two panini toasters.
The new bollards at Tachbrook Street produce less air and noise pollution than the previous portable generators. Plus, the improved layout of the market has created more space for shoppers.
This has resulted in a greatly improved customer experience. It has made Tachbrook Street Market a cleaner, greener and more attractive destination for shoppers and traders.
Councillor Matthew Green, Cabinet Member for Business, Licensing and Planning, said: “As part of the extensive renovations to Tachbrook Street market, we wanted to supply traders with a reliable and safe electricity supply.
“The new system is fairer and easier for traders, as they only pay for the electricity they use and for some that could mean that they pay less than £1 per hour. Additionally, the green energy supplied by these bollards will contribute to Westminster achieving its zero carbon goals.”
Dan Bentham, Managing Director UK of ubitricity, said: “This is an exciting and progressive development of utilising street infrastructure. Previously our compact and discreet technology was only used to recharge electric cars, this now shows the versatility and scalability of this infrastructure.
“By eliminating generators and using renewable energies it provides further options for businesses and councils to consider as the UK moves forward with its target to reach net zero target.”
