Network Rail Scotland fleet goes green with charging hub project

A LANDMARK move for Network Rail Scotland’s road fleet sees charging hubs introduced that will use 100% renewable energy.

Edinburgh based-company FOR EV has completed the first of two major EV charging hub installations in a project that will support Network Rail Scotland in electrifying its operational fleet.

In Irvine and Cowlairs, Glasgow, FOR EV has installed a combination of alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) charging technology designed specifically for the complex operational needs of Network Rail Scotland.

The charging hubs have the capacity to charge 56 fleet vehicles simultaneously and include load-balancing technology to meet the specific requirements of a highly specialised fleet.

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

The project was aimed to be tailored to Network Rail Scotland’s current and future vehicle requirements that provided technology designed to cope with all the adverse Scottish weather conditions.

It 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.

Transport is the UK’s biggest contributor to carbon emissions, with fleets being responsible for a significant part of the UK’s carbon footprint.

The company aims to adress this challange, in addition to providing ‘destination’ charging at public locations, and has developed 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 use 100% fully accredited renewable energy, further supporting ESG reporting requirements.

FOR EV has been contracted by Network Rail Scotland to not only install but also operate and maintain the charging systems for years to come.

FOR EV’s Lindsay Wallace, executive director, sales & innovations Europe, said: “We’ve developed a strong working relationship and created a bespoke and beneficial solution for Network Rail Scotland.

“It enabled us to deliver a complex project on time and budget to the highest possible standards of compliance.

“Network Rail Scotland has been a great organisation to work with and we are delighted to be part of their journey to Net Zero.”

The company’s main investor, The Scottish National Investment Bank, is supporting its ambitions to help businesses that can accelerate Scotland’s journey towards net zero.

Network Rail Scotland’s EV fleet will also be able to utilise 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.”