It’s been rather a long time coming, but our village is now offering rapid charging provision for use by the ever-increasing number of residents and visitors with electric vehicles (EVs).
Two EV charging points have just been installed at the entrance to Rushcliffe Country Park, operating on the national BP Pulse network. These units offer up to 50kW charging speeds which, for a small car like the MINI Electric (pictured) means charging up from 20% to 80% will take only around 20 minutes. This compares with several hours to achieve the same charge when using a standard home charger or a domestic 13 amp socket.
Both these new Ruddington charging units come with tethered 50kW CCS, 50kW CHAdeMO and 43kW Type 2 connectors, meaning they’re compatible with all electric vehicles, with the exception of some very early electric cars and vans fitted only with a Type 1 socket. The devices also accept contactless payment for ease of use. At 54 pence per kWh, charging your vehicle here will cost you almost double what you would pay on a standard home electricity tariff at the moment, but still only works out at around 13 pence per mile.
Moreover, for EV owners with no home charging provision, or wishing to top-up in a hurry, these new units are likely to prove very popular indeed! Not only that, their picturesque location means you can make very good use of the 20-minute wait to grab a quick coffee or snack at the adjacent Visitor Centre cafe or perhaps take a walk around the lake. However, as a courtesy to other EV drivers, vehicles should only be left in the dedicated charging bays for as long as it takes to get the miles you need.
Further information about how to use them can be found at www.rushcliffe.gov.uk/ev.
It’s the latest installation of EV charging points by Rushcliffe Borough Council (RBC) as part of its ‘Carbon Management Plan’ to support sustainable transport choices in partnership with Nottingham City Council and the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles.
Fast and rapid chargers have previously been installed at other Council sites in Gamston, Keyworth, Radcliffe on Trent, Cotgrave, Bingham Arena, Gresham Sports Park and Rushcliffe Arena in West Bridgford. One of the two Ruddington spaces has been constructed with extra width to allow easier access for disabled drivers and/or passengers during charging.
The authority’s Deputy Chief Executive and Director for Neighbourhoods, Dave Banks, says: “We’re pleased to see the new EV charging hub installed at our popular country park. As the warmer months approach, and we see an increase in people visiting the park, these new EV chargers will help even more residents and visitors to the Borough protect the environment, improve air quality and lower carbon emissions.”
He adds: “These charging locations are an essential part of our work to become ‘Carbon Clever’ and encourage even further use of electric vehicles and convenient public charging points. We know it’s vital to keep building on the infrastructure to support electric vehicle usage across the Borough.”
The installation of further EV charging points, right in our village centre, is being planned by Ruddington Parish Council on the site of the former Youth and Community Centre next to The Green, which is due for demolition this year.
