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When I first started driving an electric vehicle, one of my main concerns was finding convenient and affordable charging options. Thatโs when I discovered Ubitricity charging stations. Theyโre not just your typical chargersโimagine 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, itโs a great option for urban drivers in the United Kingdom, especially for those who donโt have a home charging setup. Plus, theyโre super easy on the wallet and eco-friendly too.
Letโs take a closer look at why theyโre such a smart choice for EV owners.
Table of Contents
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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. Ubitricityโs solution? Just plug a cable into a lamppost. Itโs 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.
3. Environmental Impact
Love the planet? With Ubitricity, your contribution to a greener Earth is almost effortless. By repurposing street furniture, youโre using less new infrastructure and more of whatโs already there. Itโs 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
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. Ubitricityโs 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.
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
Businesses, take note. Installing Ubitricity chargers means happier customers. Nothing says “We appreciate you” like a fully charged battery. Itโs the modern way of showing you care.
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
Ubitricityโs 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? Whatโs that? Youโre never too far from a charging spot, making long trips less of a nail-biter.
Final Thoughts
Ubitricityโs 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-postsโthey might just save your day.