Swarco to launch new ultra-rapid EV charging network in UK
Swarco Smart Charging has announced plans for a new nationwide ultra-rapid charging network that will significantly improve the availability and reliability of ‘on-the-go’ charging.
It’s named PoGo – based on the concept of enabling drivers to ‘Power and Go’ – and will build a network of over 2,000 ultra-rapid charging stations over the next four years.
Swarco’s vision is for a network that will give new and existing EV owners an enhanced EV driving experience.
Charging locations will be strategically positioned to be convenient for drivers and with easy access to public amenities, coffee shops, food outlets etc.
The network will also adopt a driver-centric approach that makes charge points simple and hassle-free to use.
Each site will have multiple charging options which will be regularly serviced and maintained by an experienced team of EV-driving engineers. EV drivers will be supported by a 24/7 highly trained in-house customer support team who can be contacted by phone, email, PoGo’s website or app, as well as PoGo’s social media channels.
Justin Meyer, managing director of Swarco Smart Charging, said: “We are leveraging our considerable experience and learnings from the last 12 years to create a new network which will put the EV driver at the very heart of our operations.
“With battery-electric cars accounting for a third of all new registrations in December and the total number of pure EVs on UK roads now reaching over 600,000, we know that accelerating the installation of suitable charging infrastructure is needed to support the current and future demands of EV drivers. That requires not only the most reliable technology, but also finding the best sites, and having a team with the drive, passion and know-how to deliver an exceptional experience, and support people on their electric journey.”
The team is led by Eugenio Herrero, who’s been appointed as executive director of PoGo and brings experience of having launched and managed an EV network before.
Herrero said PoGo needs to be more than simply a network of charge points.
“We will be building the PoGo network across the length and breadth of England, Scotland and Wales so that wherever you are, or wherever you want to go, you will know that you can rely on PoGo. By building a nationwide network of ultra-rapid chargers with full driver support, we hope to encourage more drivers to make the switch to electric.”
He elaborated further: “We are working closely with landlords to ensure an even spread across the UK so PoGo drivers can travel to each corner of the country through our ultra-rapid offering.”