Highways England has awarded a multi-million-pound contract to
help people take longer journeys in electric vehicles.
The company is committed to helping improve the nation’s air
quality, and aims to ensure 95% of its motorways and major A
roads are within 20 miles of a charge point.
As part of this commitment the company has awarded a contract
worth a total £2.8million, which will see more than 50 electric
vehicle charging points being installed across the country within
the next nine months.
Highways England’s Mark Collins, Environmental Designated Fund
(Carbon) Portfolio Manager and Project Lead said: “To help
improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions we’re introducing
more electric charging points, at locations near to the network,
for example at nearby town centres. This shows that we are
looking ahead to meet the future demand for this facility.
“This contract is about supporting drivers of electric vehicles
using our network. It will give them additional charging
facilities just off England’s motorways and major A roads to help
them make longer journeys and reduce the anxiety of potentially
running out of power. We look forward to the benefits this will
provide drivers on our roads.”
Roads Minister, MP said: “The Government wants
the UK to be the best place in the world to own an electric
vehicle, leading the way to a zero emission future.
“Installing extra vehicle charging points along or nearby our
motorways and main roads will help more businesses and people to
make longer, cleaner and greener journeys in their electric
vehicles.”
The contract has been awarded to BP Chargemaster to carry out
work in the north of the country and Swarco UK Ltd in the south.
It includes initial installation and commissioning of facilities
followed by ongoing operation and maintenance for the seven-year
period of the contract.
David Martell, Chief Executive of BP Chargemaster, said: “Access
to convenient, fast and reliable charging points across the UK
will help enable the mass adoption of electric vehicles. We have
been focused on creating such infrastructure over the past 10
years and are very proud to be working with Highways England to
expand the provision of rapid charging points so that an even
greater number of drivers can make the switch to electric.”
Justin Meyer, General Manager at SWARCO eVolt, says: “We are
delighted to have been selected by Highways England for this
project to expand the national network of electric vehicle
charging infrastructure, it is testament to the range and
reliability of our systems and our strong support network across
the UK.”
The work being carried out under this contract is in addition to
electric charging points being installed as part of Highways
England’s collaboration with local authorities during this road
investment period (2015 to 2021).
NOTES TO EDITORS
Highways England is the government-owned company
responsible for modernising, maintaining and operating England’s
motorways and major A roads.
These two contracts were awarded via the Eastern Shires
Purchasing Organisation (ESPO) 636 Vehicle Charging
Infrastructure Framework. ESPO is a customer-focused, public
sector owned professional buying organisation and has helped
Highways England on previous contracts such as Severe Weather
salt supplies. Highways England took the decision to utilise the
ESPO 636 framework in relation to market engagement and having
access to industry expert suppliers ready to work with Highways
England on a project that sits outside of our normal business
operations.
