Southern Rail is to upgrade its free-to-use electric vehicle (EV) charging points across its current stock of 48 units in 23 stations on the network as part of its environmental strategy and commitment to sustainable travel.
In partnership with Pod Point, the first phase of the upgrade project began earlier this month at Chichester station, where the existing stock of EV charging units were replaced by Pod Point’s 7kW Open Charge points.
The firm’s other EV charging units are located in London and across the South, and can be found in car parks at the following stations; Arundel, Ashtead, Barnham, Brighton, Crawley, Coulsdon South, Crowborough, Dorking, East Grinstead, Eastbourne, Ham Street, Hassocks, Horsham, Hove, Norbury, Sutton, Lingfield, Purley, Redhill, South Croydon, Streatham and Whyteleafe.
After installation, the uptake of each new charging unit will be closely monitored by the firm, with a view to extending the network to other car parks connected with the franchise.
Colin Morris, head of safety and environment at Govia Thameslink Railway, said: “This project is a key part of our environmental strategy for Southern, and demonstrates to our passengers that we are seriously committed to sustainable travel. Among a raft of improvements, the upgrade project will see the power supply upgraded, meaning quicker charging, as well as the addition of a simpler interface to improve the customer experience.”
“The data from the past year’s trial has not only told us that people are regularly using the charge points, but also that EV is a technology that is growing in demand and it is important for us to be able to offer facilities that cater to all of our passenger needs. Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly common and we need to support those drivers, as well as encourage motorists to swap to ultra-low emission vehicles, which will benefit the environment.”