Collaboration brings world-first kerbside charging to London

A National Grid-supported project has installed first-of-a-kind public EV charging bays in south London. The technology will offer simple, efficient and cost-effective ‘drive-up’ roadside charging for motorists. The initiative is intended by be the first step to developing a whole network across the capital. 

National Grid joined forces with technology provider Connected Kerb, as part of the Civic Innovation Challenge in 2018 in the Electric Vehicle category, with the objective of preparing London for zero emissions transport.

Martin Cook, Head of EV Development for National Grid Ventures, said: “We’re delighted to be collaborating with Connected Kerb to provide kerbside electric vehicle charging. Enabling the transition to clean mobility is a priority for National Grid and we are really excited by the potential for Connected Kerb’s solutions to contribute to the acceleration of the adoption of electric vehicles.”

Connected Kerb, working together with Southwark Council, has installed the row of charging bays along Borough Road in Southwark. In addition to easy roadside charging, Connected Kerb’s EV infrastructure also provides fast wi-fi and data connectivity – potentially providing access to 5G, the next wave of telecommunications infrastructure.  

Enabling the transition to clean mobility is a priority for National Grid and we are really excited by the potential for Connected Kerb’s solutions to contribute to the acceleration of the adoption of electric vehicles.

– Martin Cook, Head of EV Development, National Grid Ventures

More EV charging points is a vital step in the increase of low-carbon transport across the UK. They are crucial for ‘range-anxiety’ and journey planning, enabling the EV market to expand quickly and successfully. When plugged in, EVs could provide flexibility to help balance the supply and demand of electricity; potentially reducing costs for consumers.

Paul Ayres, COO, Connected Kerb, commented: “We are delighted to announce the launch of our first kerbside charging and connectivity deployment in Borough Road, Southwark, and have been particularly impressed by Southwark Council’s pioneering adoption of the technology. As electric vehicle ownership increases at pace, the need for a nationwide infrastructure has become critical. We are delighted that London electric vehicle motorists will be among the first to benefit.”

Over the next few months, Connected Kerb will gain a tangible understanding of how the EV prototype chargers can seamlessly coalesce in a neighbourhood, prove convenient for residents and provide integrated services to the public.

Working on innovative projects such as this demonstrates National Grid’s approach to innovation; working with start-ups, sharing knowledge amongst partners and working collaboratively on technologies to build a smarter future for consumers.