arsharpe wrote:a) It sounds like you may have some comment on the BVS's [url="http://www.batteryvehiclesociety.org.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?f=41&t=2318"]EV Charging Point Recommendations Installation Guide[/url]. There was always a plan to re-issue this document and it sounds like this might be a good time to review the document. We would very much appreciate your input.
I would be very happy to contribute to this process...
arsharpe wrote:Certainly one item which is out of date is
There is currently a 50% grant available for the installation of publicly accessible charging points.
Many organisations choose to perform low-cost installations without grant assistance, due to the administrative cost involved not seeming worthwhile for such cheap installations. However, grants are available from The Department for Transport who fund the Infrastructure Grant Programme. Please visit
http://www.cenex.co.uk/igp_index.asp for more information. Alternatively you can call or email: 01509 635750 or
IGP@cenex.co.uk
as it closed on 31 Mar 2010
This is so typical of the government funding process and the reason why I intend to finance some of this myself... obviously, as the project grows I hope we will attract sponsorship from companies and individuals to help cover the costs. I see this almost as a viral exercise.... initially tapping into the goodwill of EV enthusiasts.... anything that will deliver a practical, low cost network, with the minimum of delay. I really want the next wave of mass market EV's to be a resounding success... I don't want to see a mass of press based on stranded motorists (I should also say that I regularly undertake a ~200 mile round trip and really need access to fast charge points so that I can travel anywhere in the UK and beyond)
arsharpe wrote:b) I have started a consultancy company with another person helping companies assess and plan deployment of sustainable technology and specialising in electric vehicles. If you want I will certainly bear you in mind when suggesting suppliers.
Thanks, we are happy to talk to anyone about charge points. However, I'm not planning this as a commercial enterprise and simply want to 'prime the pump' with the first hundred or so charge points. Some of my colleagues are more interested in the commercial aspects of the 'fast charge' sites (=>63A) and I can see an opportunity in that space for creating a national network.
arsharpe wrote:c) Do you have an electric vehicle yourself ?
Tesla Roadster Sport