Faulty Lamp-Post Chargers and Empty Charging Bays Raise Concerns for EV Drivers
Introduction
With a significant number of UK homes lacking driveways, lamp-post chargers have been hailed as a convenient solution for electric vehicle (EV) owners to recharge their cars locally. However, recent reports of malfunctioning chargers and complaints from drivers of internal combustion engine (ICE) cars losing parking spaces have raised doubts about the effectiveness and public support for these charging solutions.
Faulty Chargers in Chiswick
In July, Hounslow Council in west London had to disconnect several lamp-post chargers in Chiswick due to reports of them not working. An inspection revealed that heavy rainfall had entered the chargers, causing them and the connected street lamps to fail. The council has restored power to the lamps while the charger provider, Ubitricity, carries out repairs.
Protests and Loss of Parking Spaces
Residents in the same borough had previously protested against the creation of lamp-post charging bays in April. The installation of these bays resulted in the loss of eight parking spaces for ICE cars on a street with few EVs. The council promised to respond to the concerns but did not provide a comment when approached by Autocar.
Previous Safety Concerns
In November of the previous year, Portsmouth City Council disconnected 98 lamp-post and bollard-mounted chargers due to safety concerns. The council instructed Ubitricity to resolve the issue, but only 41 chargers were back online after seven months. The council spokesperson stated that they aim to restore power to the remaining chargers by the end of August.
Lamp-Post Chargers in the UK
The UK currently has around 20,000 lamp-post chargers, offering charging speeds of approximately 5kW. These chargers are provided by operators such as Ubitricity and Char.gy. The government’s £350 million Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (Levi) Fund is available for councils to finance more chargers.
Positive Outlook and Increased Uptake
Joe Michaels, CEO of Joju, a charger installation and maintenance company, believes that the Levi Fund is a game-changer and expects an increase in the number of public chargers, including lamp-post chargers. The adoption of new-generation LED street lamps, which consume less energy, also contributes to the availability of more power for EV charging.
Challenges and Solutions
Despite the positive developments, challenges remain. The AA has reported that peak-time energy tariffs for kerbside charging can make running an EV more expensive than an ICE car, even with recent price reductions. The AA has urged the government to reduce VAT on tariffs. Ubitricity has introduced smart charging, allowing residents to schedule charging sessions during off-peak hours to benefit from lower tariffs.
Empty Charging Bays
One common concern raised by residents is the presence of empty charging bays. Some councils view these empty bays as an incentive for non-EV drivers to consider transitioning to EVs to alleviate parking issues. However, an empty bay in a crowded street can also cause frustration among drivers.
Conclusion
While lamp-post chargers offer a convenient solution for EV owners without driveways, recent reports of faulty chargers and complaints about the loss of parking spaces for ICE cars have raised concerns. It is crucial for charger providers and councils to address these issues promptly to maintain public support for this charging infrastructure.
