The bus depot to offer consumer electric vehicle (EV) charging is now open to the public, at First Bus’ new purpose-built hub at Summercourt depot in Cornwall.
The hub is the first of its kind for the bus industry, providing direct access for the public to rapid electric charging infrastructure for cars and vans.
Simon Goff, First Bus South’s Managing Director, states: “For local people, visitors and business, the new hub ensures EV drivers can charge their vehicles on a reliable connection at a fair price.”
“We’re the first bus operator to offer consumer charging and I’m proud that we’re able to support the local community with this vital infrastructure that will make a difference for many years to come,” he adds.
The site is easily accessible in a key location along the A30 corridor, a key tourist route into Cornwall, helping ease electric vehicle drivers’ range anxiety as they travel through the county.
The “turn up and charge” hub offers:
- Eight rapid chargers
- Payment via contactless credit card, with no app or signup required, at 69p/kWh
- Rapid charging rates of up to 150 kilowatts (average family car can be charged to 80 per cent in around 30 minutes)
- Open 06.00-22.00, seven days a week
- Refreshments, restrooms and waiting area available on site
The 12-month project saw a one million pound investment from First Bus to provide the local area with key electric charging infrastructure.
The chargers at Summercourt are also available for local businesses to use, following the successful model by First Bus in Glasgow and Leicester, where companies such as Open Reach, DPD and Police Scotland benefit from the use of the operator’s infrastructure to support their own transition to EV fleets.
Malcolm Bell, Executive Chairman, Visit Cornwall, says: “Visit Cornwall really welcomes this investment as we know that many people with EV are desperate to see an improvement in the charging infrastructure.”
“Its proximity close to the A30 is excellent for not only local people but visitors making longer journeys,” he adds.
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