Rail company extends EV roll-out with more charging points

• By January 2022, 179 charging points across 37 stations will be available for public use
• Second wave follows the-then biggest installation on the UK rail network in 2020 at Hatfield

The roll-out of Electronic Vehicle (EV) infrastructure is well underway on the Thameslink, Great Northern and Southern railway network, with new charging points and parking bays added to the next wave of stations.

Rail operator Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) is currently completing the second wave of the roll-out, after unveiling its dedicated EV charging hub at Hatfield station in September 2020, which at the time was the largest in UK rail, with 27 points.

Strengthening its commitment to the country’s green recovery, the rail operator is now in the process of installing EV charging points at a further 10 stations across Thameslink, Great Northern and Southern routes. These include Luton, Luton Airport Parkway, St Albans, Elstree & Borehamwood, Cooksbridge, Harpenden, Watton at Stone, Bayford, Palmers Green and Potters Bar.

In partnership with Pod Point, a leading provider of EV charging infrastructure, the installation of EV charging points is part of GTR’s focus on supporting green travel options and will help to meet increasing consumer demand for electric vehicles.

Keith Jipps, Infrastructure Director at Govia Thameslink Railway, said: “Getting the train is a greener way to travel, but we need to think about how people are getting to our stations. By improving EV infrastructure across the network, we’re providing better accessibility and convenience for those who already use electric vehicles, whilst encouraging others to consider EV to make their total journey more sustainable.”

By January 2022, GTR will have a total of 179 charging points across 37 stations, which will be available for public use.

Bim Afolami, MP for Hitchin and Harpenden, welcomes the new charging points at Harpenden station. He said: “If we’re serious about encouraging the public to switch to greener modes of transport, then there needs to be suitable infrastructure in place to allow this to happen. The new EV charging points at Harpenden station will provide huge benefits to the local community and encourage more residents to consider buying an electric vehicle.”

Erik Fairbairn, Founder and CEO, Pod Point, added: “Pod Point’s vision is for travel that doesn't damage the earth and this partnership is exciting as it allows UK commuters to experience truly integrated electrified transport. It also makes it easier for drivers to choose electric, by offering a convenient alternative to home or workplace charging - particularly important to those without off-street parking. The partnership is setting a blueprint for EV charging across the rail industry and we’re looking forward to powering up even more stations as the roll-out continues.”

The installation marks a milestone in a wide-ranging station improvements programme being undertaken by GTR, which encompasses more than 230 stations and over 1,000 individual projects. Read more here: Improving your stations | Thameslink Railway.

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Notes to editors

About Govia Thameslink Railway’s Station Improvements programme:

• The installation of EV charging points is part of a huge programme of wide-ranging station improvements that includes all 200-plus stations managed by GTR. The programme encompasses over 1,000 individual projects, many of which were suggested by local passenger and community groups.
• As part of the programme of works and in addition to the new EV charging hub, Hatfield station will get an extra waiting shelter as well as various toilet improvements
• While we’re working hard to achieve the punctuality and reliability our passengers rightly expect, we want them to know we are with them all the way and making their stations better places to pass through.
• We’re making a vast number and range of improvements that can be described under three themes:

1. First, we’re giving many stations a better ambience by redecorating, planting and installing artwork, often with substantial input from the local community
2. Second, we’re making stations work better for passengers, improving comfort and safety with waiting rooms and shelters, seating, lighting, information screens, defibrillators for public use, and accessibility schemes
3. And third, we’re making stations more sustainable, with schemes such as electric vehicle charging points, rainwater retention systems, and even bee gardens.

• Dedicated web pages provide passengers and local communities with updates on what’s happening at their station. They can be found at:

https://www.southernrailway.com/about-us/our-commitments/improving-your-stations

https://www.greatnorthernrail.com/about-us/our-commitments/improving-your-stations

https://www.thameslinkrailway.com/about-us/our-commitments/improving-your-stations

About Pod Point

• Pod Point was founded in 2009 by CEO and entrepreneur Erik Fairbairn. Driven by a belief that travel shouldn’t damage the earth, Pod Point has manufactured and sold more than 102,000 charge points in the UK and Norway and is an official charge point supplier for major car brands in both countries

• Pod Point’s solutions include everything from smart domestic charge points to 150kW high power rapid chargers and load balancing systems. Along with consumers, it works with a broad range of organisations to offer workplace, residential and commercial charging solutions. Its customers include major retailers, hotels, restaurants and transport hubs