New EV charging trade body ChargeUK pledges to double UK network by year end

Mark Bursa

Eighteen of the biggest electric vehicle charging companies have joined forces to form a new UK trade association called ChargeUK, with a goal of doubling the size of the charging network by the end of 2023. ChargeUK, backed by major players including BP Pulse, Shell Recharge, Osprey, Ionity and Gridserve, will serve as the representative body for the UK’s EV charging industry. It will work with government and other stakeholders to help shape policies and regulations to help grow the UK’s charge point infrastructure.

Ian Johnston, head of Osprey (pictured), will serve as the chair of new trade body. He said: “The formation of ChargeUK is an exciting day and is a demonstration of the electric vehicle charging industry’s growing size and importance to the UK economy. Together we are investing billions of pounds to get more charge points in the ground right across the country. These numbers reinforce our commitment to the UK’s Net Zero future.”

“We will continue to be a proactive partner to Government as we deliver a world-class charging infrastructure, giving the nation’s drivers confidence to transition to electric vehicles.”

Fiona Howarth, CEO of Octopus EV, said: “Charging infrastructure is the key to the EV revolution, and it’s great to see government and industry

LEVC reveals its next-generation all-electric London black cab platform

Mark Bursa

The next-generation LEVC London black taxi will be a fully-electric vehicle, the company has announced.

LEVC has released images of its next-generation all-electric platform, which will replace the current LEVC series hybrid TX taxi and VN5 van models in the next, which use a “range extender” petrol engine in addition to a battery-electric drivetrain.

The new all-electric taxis are likely to replace the TX within the next two years, and are likely to be assembled at LEVC’s plant in Coventry. Batteries will range from 73kWh to 120kWh, giving a range of up to 435 miles, as well as ultra-fast charging.

LEVC’s new EV platform is known as SOA, which stands for Space Oriented Architecture. Codeveloped with Chinese parent company Geely Holding Group, SOA is modular and scalable, and designed to optimise the interior space of vehicles come together to supercharge the roll out. The Government has set the direction and investors are pumping in much needed capital. With over 23,000 public charging locations and rapid chargers almost doubling every year, UK drivers can enjoy the benefits of EVs: tech-on-wheels with low-cost fuel.”

The launch of ChargeUK was welcomed by transport decarbonisation and technology minister Jesse Norman. He said: “The launch of ChargeUK shows how industry working together, alongside the Government, can release private investment, improve delivery, raise standards and promote the use of electric vehicle charging infrastructure for drivers across the country.

“Our commitment to decarbonising transport, backed by hundreds of millions in funding, has helped to unlock private sector investment, and the ambitious plans of ChargeUK’s members will support more people than ever make the transition to EVs.” design that incorporates extra carrying capacity underneath the main luggage area, behind the rear axle. built on the platform, including taxis and vans. It will also enabling LEVC to enter “new sectors”, the company said in a statement – suggesting private cars such as MPVs or SUVs could be built alongside the black cabs and vans.

The 18 founder firms behind ChargeUK are Be.EV, Believ, BP pulse, char.gy, ChargePoint, Connected Kerb, ESB, Equans, Evyve, Fastned, Gridserve, Ionity, Mer, Osprey, Pod Point, PoGo Charge, Shell Recharge and Raw Charging. These companies have committed to a combined investment of more than £6 billion by 2030, which will fund “tens of thousands” of new chargers.

SOA supports vehicle sizes from 4,860mm5,995mm in length and 1,945mm-1,998mm in width, with wheelbases from 3,000mm-3,800mm. SOA can also offer front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive layouts too.

Developed over the past 30 months at R&D centres in China, Sweden, the UK and Germany, SOA’s flexibility offers multiple seating and loadcarrying configurations. It can support a wide range of passenger-carrying and commercial vehicles, offering significant advances in range, efficiency, safety, charging time, durability and connectivity.

With a centrally-located battery, SOA delivers a fully flat floor with low step-in heights. Electric powertrain components are all fitted up front, freeing up additional space for the driver and passenger. SOA has an innovative rear suspension

Alex Nan, CEO of LEVC, said: “Today, LEVC enters the most exciting chapter in its history. It will bring our new mission to life, delivering smart, green, safe and accessible mobility to all, enabling us to transform from a high-end taxi manufacturer, launching LEVC into new sectors, with an extended range of state-of-the-art pure electric vehicles. Building on LEVC’s unrivalled heritage in producing the iconic London black cab, we are adapting our business to meet the rapidly accelerating demand for spacious, flexible electric vehicles.”

“Our rich history is combined with the resources of the Geely organisation to set our brand on an exciting new path, as LEVC today launches an adaptable architecture for an adapting world. With the combined strength of our new strategy and SOA, we will bring advanced zero-emission transportation to more customers than ever before.”