FOR EV helps electrify Network Rail Scotland’s fleet

In Irvine and Cowlairs, the Edinburgh-based company has installed a combination of alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) charging technology.

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

The first EV charging hub at Irvine was delivered in just nine weeks, with the support of utilities contractor Energy Assets.

The project forms part of Network Rail’s National Road Fleet Transformation Programme, which will see its cars and vans transition to zero emission vehicles. 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.

Lindsay Wallace, executive director for sales and innovations Europe at FOR EV, said: “We’ve developed a strong working relationship and created a bespoke solution for Network Rail Scotland, which enabled us to deliver a complex project on time and budget to the highest possible standards of compliance.

“Transitioning a fleet of the past to a fleet of the future is symbolic of FOR EV’s overarching purpose, to help accelerate the move to more sustainable means of travel.”

Wendi Wheeler, principal environment and 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.”