Cenex, the UK-based not-for-profit consultancy focused on low carbon vehicles and associated energy infrastructure, has chosen Chargemaster to run the Plugged-in Midlands (PiM) network of more than 870 chargepoints following a competitive selection process.
The Plugged-in Midlands estate of more than 870 chargepoints will be merged with Chargemaster’s POLAR network, which already comprises over 4,000 chargepoints across the country. The addition of the PiM chargepoints to the extensive POLAR network will make EV motoring even easier across the UK.
Developments planned for the PiM network include access to chargepoints via smartphone app and a choice of tariffs, with many chargepoints remaining free to use. Across the UK, more than 80% of POLAR chargepoints are free.
Chargemaster, together with shareholders including BMW and wireless charging pioneer Qualcomm, has committed to transforming the PiM chargepoints through investment in supporting management systems. The company will also expand the network, with a short-term goal of adding over 100 new chargepoints in the coming months.
Originally established as part of the government-backed Plugged-in Places (PiP) initiative in 2010, the PiM scheme exceeded all expectations by part-funding more than 870 chargepoints across the Midlands.
Following financial support from Government over the last three years, public sector operators have been opting to transfer operation of the chargepoints to self-sustaining business models, often with private sector partnerships. In 2013, Chargemaster won a competitive tender to take over the management of the Milton Keynes PiP network.
It has successfully expanded the chargepoint network, many of which are rapid chargers that enable electric vehicles to charge in under 30 minutes.
