Free Charging Stations for Electric Cars
Capital Shopping Centres (CSC) joined forces with Elektromotive and EDF Energy to support electric vehicle drivers by offering car chargers at 9 major shopping centres across the UK.
With support from the Energy Saving Trust, this venture was the first of its kind to be launched nationally and CSC has led the way in offering this facility free of charge within shopping centre car parks. Customers can recharge their electric or plug-in hybrid cars during the course of a normal shopping trip.
The scheme not only raises awareness of the cost savings and environmental benefits of using electric cars, it will at the same time make life easier for all those who already drive electric cars but do not have a convenient local charging point. CSC made the free charging stations available at the following shopping centres;
- Braehead, Renfrew, Glasgow
- Chapelfield, Norwich
- The Chimes, Uxbridge
- The Glades, Bromley
- The Harlequin, Watford
- Lakeside, Thurrock
- MetroCentre, Gateshead
- The Potteries, Stoke-on-Trent
- The Victoria Centre, Nottingham.
The charging points are simple to use with recharging cables and access keys freely available from the shopping centres. An electronic key communicates by wireless to the charger unit. When a valid key is read the weather-proof access panel automatically opens where the recharging lead from the vehicle can be inserted. Upon closing the access panel, it locks securely and power is turned on to supply 240 volts AC at 13 amps, the same as a domestic electricity supply.
The charging points, known as Elektrobays, achieved industry recognition for their technical and environmental contribution by winning both the “Industry Innovation Award 2007” at the Greenfleet Awards and the “Highly Commended” award for Industry Innovation Design at the EAST Awards.
By extending their options and supporting the required re-fuelling infrastructure for electric cars, CSC believes motorists will feel more confident and comfortable in moving towards greener driving and reducing their CO2 emissions.
