How can I find out if there is a charge point in my area?
The best way to search for charge points is to use Zap Map and zoom in to the relevant location.
How do you charge an electric vehicle?
Charging an electric vehicle is a simple process which requires a compatible plug-to-plug cable or tethered plug charge point unit. Access to charging is provided by an RFID card or via a smart phone application. The charging starts automatically and stops automatically when the car is fully charged so the car can be left connected indefinitely. The charging can be interrupted or stopped at any time simply by presenting the RFID card or by providing a command to the equipment via a smart phone application.
How are the electric vehicle charge points being funded?
Gwent Local Authorities have been awarded grant funding from the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) to cover up to 75% of the costs to install electric vehicle charge points in car parks in residential areas. The Local Authorities are match funding the remaining 25% costs for their sites.
What are the plans to prevent the parking spaces being used by vehicles other than EVs?
The Council will be introducing a Traffic Regulation Order stating the use of parking bays is for EV charging only. Traffic Regulation Orders are legal agreements which allow the Council to enforce the regulations. If there was an issue where residents were unable to access the charge points due to non EV cars parking in the bays we would have the ability to take enforcement action. This action could be that our Civic Enforcement officers issue a Penalty Charge Notice to vehicles contravening this parking restriction.
Will there be any rules for use such as length of time someone can use the charge points?
The Council will encourage people to move their cars once their charging session ends. If there was an issue with access we could work with our third party operator to put something in place or see if our Civil Enforcement Officers could go to site more often to keep an eye on this.
Who is going to be responsible for maintenance and upkeep?
We have awarded a contract to Silverstone Green Energy to maintain and operate the charge points on behalf of the Council for 5 years which includes maintenance, servicing and repairs. If there is an issue with the charge points not working there will be a 24 hour helpline in both English and Welsh you can call for assistance. The 24 hour helpline number is available in the charge point application.
Are Electric Vehicle charge point units safe?
Electric Vehicle charge point units include many safety features to prevent the risk of fire or electrocution. The charge point manufacturer鈥檚 must meet European electricity safety standards and provide safety features such as Residual Current Detection (RCD circuit breakers) and spike voltage protection as well as an isolation switch which is activated automatically if the charge point sensor detects damage caused to the unit. The status of charge points is usually monitored by a Charge Point Management System (CPMS) if the units can communicate with a Back Office server over the GPRS mobile network or LAN/internet.
Are there any security problems such as cable theft when charging on street?
When you lock your car, the car will secure your cable to the car. Whilst charging the charge point will lock the cable too. This way nobody can interrupt your charging session. To remove your cable from the charge point you must first remove it from your car.
What type of information will the charge point units collect and how will it be used?
Charge point units will collect information related to charge point use frequency and electricity usage. The data will be anonymous and will be collected and transmitted (using encryption) to a Charge Point Management System (CPMS). Charge point unit hosts will be able to access anonymous data relating to use f their equipment.
What are the different charging speeds of charge point units?
The units are capable of charging at upto 22kW (around 60 miles of range per hour) but the speed of charging is determined by the car itself which might be capable of 3.68kW (16Amp, single phase), 7.2kW (32Amp, single phase), 11kW (16Amp, 3 phase) or 22kW (32Amp, 3 phase) The car will alter the rate of charge depending on the state of the battery. The charger might reduce the charging rate if there are lots of people charging at the same time.
Can hybrids use the charge points?
Yes plug in hybrids can use the charge points.
Will I have to pay for parking while charging my electric vehicle?
If the car park is a pay and display car park, then you will need to pay to park your vehicle while charging. Please refer to the tariff for the relevant pay and display car park. If you park up to charge your vehicle outside the tariff period then parking would be free.
Can disability scooters use the charging points?
No disability scooters cannot use the charge points, they require their own powered adaptors that are different for each scooter (though many use similar ones) these need to be plugged into a regular 3 pin socket.