Network Rail Scotland has gone live with the first of two major EV charging hubs to support electrification of its operational fleet.

The hubs have the capacity to charge 56 fleet vehicles simultaneously and include load-balancing technology

Installed by infrastructure provider FOR EV, the hubs are located at key operational depots in Irvine and Cowlairs, Glasgow.

The sites feature a combination of AC and DC charging technology designed specifically for the complex operational needs of Network Rail Scotland.

The hubs have the capacity to charge 56 fleet vehicles simultaneously and include load-balancing technology.

The first EV charging hub at Irvine was delivered in nine weeks with the support of utilities contractor Energy Assets, while providing uninterrupted access 24/7 during installation to ensure the site was fully operational for Network Rail Scotland.

FOR EV has been contracted by Network Rail Scotland to both install and also operate and maintain charging systems for years to come. The project has been tailored to Network Rail Scotland’s current and future vehicle requirements and forms part of Network Rail’s National Road Fleet Transformation Programme (NRFTP), which will see its fleet cars and vans transition to zero-emission vehicles.

In addition to providing ‘destination’ charging at public locations, FOR EV has developed a bespoke solution for fleet owners and operators. This includes grid connection, installation, service and maintenance, insurance, 24/7 support, 98% uptime, and comprehensive management information reporting.

FOR EV’s charge points only use 100% fully accredited renewable energy, further supporting ESG reporting requirements, and its fleet solution is designed to deliver a cost-effective option for fleets, with no upfront capital costs for hardware or installation.

A pre-agreed cost per kW charge is based on the fleet’s annual mileage and invoiced quarterly, delivering savings for customers and helping to de-risk the potentially expensive move to electric charging.

Network Rail Scotland’s EV drivers will also be able to access FOR EV’s growing public network of charge points across the country, using their pre-purchased electricity and personalised RFID cards at any of FOR EV’s charge points.

Wendi Wheeler, principal environment & social value manager at Network Rail Scotland, said: “Providing the infrastructure in our operational depots, to enable our road fleet’s transition to zero emission, is a challenge. We decided to look at things differently in Scotland, drawing in expertise and funding from outside of Network Rail to deliver charging infrastructure quicker and cheaper than it would otherwise have been. FOR EV and Energy Assets have demonstrated excellence throughout and provided expert guidance on the technology as we make the changes necessary to decarbonise our road fleet.”