South Winchester Park and Ride

Electric vehicle charging points - Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the County Council want to introduce electric vehicle charging points?

Installing charging points will act as a catalyst to encourage more people to buy and use battery electric vehicles - widely regarded as the transport technology of the future. There are currently very few charging points outside of London.

This demonstrates the County Council's commitment to climate change mitigation, and links with the national move towards an 'ultra low-carbon' transport system. It’s predicted there will be a spectacular growth in the number of electric vehicles, with around 50,000 electric cars on  UK roads by 2015.

The charging points will also:

• help encourage the use of electric battery cars in the Hampshire County Council’s fleets (and potentially Winchester City Council and other organisations), with electric pool cars being considered

• act as a model for others to follow, so that more electric charging points are requested in new developments and infrastructure in Hampshire

• start to break the 'Catch 22' situation - if there are no charging points people won’t buy electric cars.

What are the benefits of electric vehicles?

Electric vehicles:

• produce no pollution where they are used. While emissions of local air pollutants will be transferred to power stations supplying the electricity used, this is likely to have less of an impact on local air quality than vehicles in busy urban areas

• tend to be exceptionally quiet

• are very cheap to use, with minimal running costs, no road tax, cheaper insurance and cheaper servicing and MOTs.

Why has South Winchester Park and Ride been chosen?

Installing the charging points at the new South Winchester Park and Ride made good sense because they could be included in the new design, and were more cost effective than being fitted at a later stage. The scheme is an ideal opportunity to install the new technology and save on future cost and inconvenience.

Charging points at the Park and Ride are designed to allow commuters with electric vehicles to use the facilities, and encourage commuters to consider purchasing electric vehicles.

Is this the best location?

Ideally, charging will soon be available at a wide range of locations including public car parks, retail car parks, workplaces, leisure centres and transport hubs.

The Park and Ride is a good location at present, as the current technology and lengthy charging times lend themselves to long stay parking. When a new standard (15 or 20 minute) rapid charging technology is adopted in the next few years, this will be more suitable for short stay parking locations, including petrol stations, motorway service areas and some retail locations.

Charging points at South Winchester Park and Ride would not be an alternative to electric charging points in Winchester city centre.  In the future it is hoped there will be a network of electric charging points around Winchester and elsewhere in Hampshire.

What would be an ideal location for an EVCP?

There is such a thing as an 'ideal' location, although it helps if the charging points are in prominent locations and covered by CCTV. Being close  to an existing power supply also helps.

Where are the charging points already operational in the UK?

Various websites provide information. One with a useful list is
www.electriccarsite.co.uk/electric-car-charging-points

Who are the main suppliers?

A useful list of suppliers is at:
www.london.gov.uk/priorities/transport/green-transport/electric-vehicles

What do the charging units look like?

They can vary from rather plain posts to more striking designs. Units can be wall mounted or combined with other street furniture.

Is the technology 'fixed' and standard across the country?  Will the charging points need to be updated in the future?

The technology is not fixed and slightly different technologies are being installed to cater for both conventional and rapid charging.  Most 'conventional' charging points are being installed with standard 3 pin sockets, but with the appropriate internal wiring they can be easily and cheaply updated to a rapid charge as and when the technology becomes standard.  This is the plan at South Winchester Park and Ride.

What are the electricity costs? Do you charge users for the electricity?

At South Winchester Park and Ride the electricity costs will be extremely low in the first two years as there will be limited take up of the spaces and a full recharge should cost well under £1.

Currently, electric cars cost in the region of 1.8 pence per mile to recharge. The G Wiz has a maximum range of 48 miles - 48 miles @ 1.8 pence = 86 pence. This assumes a car is charged from empty to full, but realistically cars will not be empty when entering the car park.

There will be no charge for electricity at the South Winchester Park and Ride.