Cambridge has chosen eVolt UK to supply electric vehicle (EV) charging points across the city for its Ultra Low Emission Vehicle Taxi project, which aims to increase the number of EV taxis used in the historic city.
The project, which is being primarily funded by the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV), will see eVolt install 21 of its Rapid and Fast Chargers across the city over the next three years.
Two chargers are already operational in the Adam and Eve Car Park (CB1 1DX) and a further six Rapid Chargers will be installed across three other sites, due for completion by the beginning of September.
The three other sites include car parks at Castle Hill and Arbury Court, and one on-street location in Newmarket Road, which initially will only be available for taxis.
The Rapid Chargers are capable of providing 80 per cent charge to an EV Taxi in 30 minutes.
Cllr Rosy Moore, executive councillor for environment and city centre, said: 'Installing these new rapid chargers for electric taxis marks a genuinely positive shift away from polluting diesel taxis.
'Work like this is one way the council is aiming to make it much easier for people to use electric vehicles, in order to help improve air quality for all of Cambridge's residents plus all of those people who work in and visit the city'
eVolt will work alongside Electric Blue, who are providing the remainder of the funding for the project and will also provide operational support throughout.
Justin Meyer, general manager of eVolt UK, says eVolt is proud to support the project: 'We are committed to help councils lower emissions, improve local air quality and provide reliable charging infrastructure where it is most needed.
'We anticipate that these units will help promote the use of EV taxis in Cambridge and encourage more drivers to make the switch'
Cambridge was one of 10 councils in the UK to be awarded funding by OLEV in its competition for EV Taxi Infrastructure. The project aims to help reduce carbon dioxide emissions across the UK and provide cleaner air for a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.
