10 Benefits of Using Ubitricity Charging Stations for Your EV

Ubitricity Charging Station pros and cons

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When I first started driving an electric vehicle, one of my main concerns was finding convenient and affordable charging options. Thatโ€™s when I discovered Ubitricity charging stations. Theyโ€™re not just your typical chargersโ€”imagine being able to charge your EV right where you park, like on streetlamps!

Sadly, Ubitricity charging stations are not available in the United States. Still, itโ€™s a great option for urban drivers in the United Kingdom, especially for those who donโ€™t have a home charging setup. Plus, theyโ€™re super easy on the wallet and eco-friendly too.

Letโ€™s take a closer look at why theyโ€™re such a smart choice for EV owners.

Highlights

Aspect Details
Charging Network Ubitricity, one of the largest in the UK, with over 8,000 charging points in the UK and more than 10,000 across Europe.
Ownership Ubitricity is a subsidiary of Shell.
Charging Solutions – Lamppost and Bollard (5kW) for residential streets, car parks
– AC Fast Chargers (7kW-22kW) for short-term parking
– DC Rapid Chargers (50kW-350kW)
Lamppost & Bollard Integrated with streetlights, 5kW output, ideal for long-term parking in residential streets.
AC Fast Chargers 7kW to 22kW power, ideal for short stays (3-4 hours to charge), found in public car parks and leisure centers.
DC Rapid Chargers 50kW to 350kW power, charging 80% in 20-60 mins, found at petrol stations and motorway services.
Charging Costs Standard tariff: 53p/kWh (6 am-11 pm)
Off-peak tariff: 45p/kWh (11 pm-6 am).
OVO Charge Membership Offers discounts on Ubitricity charging with memberships like Light Boost (10% off, ยฃ2/month) and Turbo Boost (15% off, ยฃ8/month).
Main Benefits Flexible and accessible charging for those without private parking, partnerships with OVO Charge for discounted rates and ease of use.

1. Charge Anywhere, Anytime

Picture this: every lamppost morphs into a charging station. Sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, right? But Ubitricity made it happen.

Now, you can park under a streetlight and plug in your EV. Why settle for designated charging spots when the whole street can be your personal power source?

Convenience and Flexibility

  • Widespread Availability: Ubitricity’s integration into existing infrastructure in the UK, such as lampposts, ensures that EV drivers can find charging stations in urban and residential areas, making it easy to charge vehicles close to home or work.
  • 24/7 Access: As per Ubitricity official website, these charging points are available round the clock, allowing drivers to charge their vehicles at any time that suits their schedule, whether day or night.

2. Cost-Effective Installation

Traditional charging stations? Overrated and pricey. Ubitricityโ€™s solution? Just plug a cable into a lamppost. Itโ€™s cheaper, faster, and gives your charging routine a bit of urban edge.

Utilization of Existing Infrastructure

Ubitricity leverages existing streetlamp infrastructure for installing EV charging points. This approach reduces the need for extensive civil engineering works, minimizing disruption and cutting down on installation costs.

Retrofitting streetlights with Ubitricity’s charging technology is more affordable compared to installing new standalone charging stations.ย ย According to Ubitricity official website, the cost of retrofitting an existing streetlight with their EV charging technology ranges from $2,500 to $5,000.

3. Environmental Impact

Ubitricity charging stations benefits
Source: YouTube/Screenshot, Ubitricity lowers the carbon emissions

Love the planet? With Ubitricity, your contribution to a greener Earth is almost effortless. By repurposing street furniture, youโ€™re using less new infrastructure and more of whatโ€™s already there. Itโ€™s like recycling, but cooler.

  • Reduction in Carbon Emissions: Ubitricity’s charging stations, particularly those integrated into lampposts, utilize existing infrastructure, which minimizes the need for additional construction. This approach reduces the carbon footprint associated with installing new charging stations.
  • Support for Renewable Energy: Ubitricity’s solutions often involve the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar power, which significantly lowers the carbon emissions from charging EVs. This contributes to a cleaner and more sustainable energy system.
  • Encouraging EV Adoption: By making charging more accessible and convenient, Ubitricity helps to lower the barriers to EV adoption. More EVs on the road mean fewer gasoline-powered vehicles, leading to overall reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

4. Mobile Metering

Say goodbye to old-school meters. Ubitricity introduces mobile metering, bringing tracking directly to your car. Now, you can keep an eye on your energy usage on the go.

Cost Reduction

By integrating the metering and communication technology into the charging cable rather than the charging station, Ubitricity reduces the overall costs of each charging point.

This makes the rollout of public charging infrastructure more affordable.

Flexibility and Ubiquity

Mobile metering allows any regular street lamp or electrical outlet to be converted into an EV charging station.

This flexibility enables a wider and more convenient network of charging points, addressing the issue of charging station scarcity.

Ease of Installation

The technology simplifies the conversion of existing infrastructure, such as street lamps, into EV charging stations. This reduces installation time and costs compared to traditional charging station setups.

5. Easy Access to Charging Points

Advantages of Ubitricity chargers
Source: YouTube/Screenshot, More charging stations means easier access

The brilliance of converting lampposts? Way more charging points than those bulky traditional stations. For the same cost, you get ten times more access points. Ubitricityโ€™s charging stations are often integrated into existing infrastructure, such as lampposts and bollards.

This makes it easy for EV users to find and use charging points without needing to search for dedicated charging stations, particularly in urban areas where parking spaces are at a premium.

6. Off-Peak Rates

Everyone loves a bargain, especially at off-peak rates. Ubitricity offers cost-saving options so you can charge your EV without emptying your wallet. Finally, a reason to look forward to those late-night hours.

Ubitricity charges 45p per kWh during off-peak hours (11pm-6am) compared to 53p per kWh during peak hours (6am-11pm). This can lead to substantial savings for EV owners who charge their vehicles during these off-peak times. Also, it is more affordable than using Level 2 charger.

In the US, the situation with EV charging is a bit different. The typical expense to recharge an electric vehicle at a public charging station falls between $0.30 and $0.60 per kilowatt-hour. Consequently, the total cost to fully charge an electric car can vary from $11 to $50.

7. Customer Loyalty

EV charging with Ubitricity
Source: YouTube/Screenshot, Ubitricity is all about innovations

Businesses, take note. Installing Ubitricity chargers means happier customers. Nothing says “We appreciate you” like a fully charged battery. Itโ€™s the modern way of showing you care.

Ubitricityโ€™s unique approach to EV charging demonstrates innovation and forward-thinking, traits that customers tend to value. This perception can enhance customer loyalty as they prefer to associate with cutting-edge solutions.

8. Convenience of Long Dwell Times

While traditional refueling takes a few minutes, charging an EV can take longer.

Long dwell times make it convenient for drivers to charge their vehicles without having to wait, as they can do so while their car is parked for other purposes, such as overnight or during work hours. Long parking periods can now be your best friend.

9. Integration with Solar Power

Ubitricity EV charging
Source: YouTube/Screenshot, Using solar power is cost-effectiveย 

Ubitricityโ€™s stations integrate seamlessly with your home solar setup, making your EV even greener. Think of it as having a having a tiny, portable power plant at your disposal.

Solar power can significantly lower the cost of electricity used for charging EVs. By utilizing solar energy, the reliance on grid electricity decreases, which can result in lower charging costs, especially during peak hours.

10. Nationwide Presence

With thousands of charging points already installed in the UK, Ubitricity is spreading like wildfire. Range anxiety? Whatโ€™s that? Youโ€™re never too far from a charging spot, making long trips less of a nail-biter.

With charging stations available across the UK, EV drivers can plan long-distance trips without worrying about finding a place to charge. This promotes greater adoption of EVs as a practical alternative to traditional vehicles.

Final Thoughts

Ubitricityโ€™s approach to EV charging is revolutionary. From the convenience of charging anywhere to the cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits, it’s clear why they’re making waves.

So next time you’re driving around, keep an eye out for those lamp-postsโ€”they might just save your day.

Picture of Stanley Pearson

Stanley Pearson

My name is Stanley Pearson and I've been a car mechanic for the past 14 years. I've had a lifelong passion for cars, ever since I was a kid tinkering with engines and trying to learn everything I could about how they work. Nowadays, I'm always keeping up with the latest automotive trends, technologies, and developments in the industry.
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