New taxi-dedicated EV charging infrastructure will help Wales hit zero emissions targets

Swarco

Electric car infrastructure provider Swarco eVolt has won a contract from Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) to install rapid chargers dedicated to taxi users at 31 locations across 10 local authorities in south-east Wales.

The deal will also help the Welsh Government meet its target for zero emissions from taxis by 2028. The installation work is expected to be completed by June 2021.

The 31 charging locations will enable taxi drivers to charge their vehicles at local taxi ranks. A total of 34 50kW chargers will be installed at the 31 sites by Swarco, which will also manage the subsequent operation and maintenance of the infrastructure. 

Justin Meyer, managing director of Swarco eVolt, said: “CCR’s well thought-through and strategic approach to building a network of charging infrastructure that is reliable and convenient for taxi drivers, combined with the tangible support it is giving taxi drivers and operators through a ‘try before you buy’ scheme and educational webinars, will make this initiative a success.”

The funding for this project comes from the Welsh Government, which in May 2020 awarded £1.296m from its Ultra Low Emission Vehicle Transformation Fund to the CCR. The award was the highest award made in Wales and will fund a number of initiatives intended to help Wales reach a target of zero emissions from buses and taxis by 2028.