In Le Havre, the company Ubitricity will allow owners of electric cars to recharge by plugging directly into streetlights.
It’s a brilliant idea, to say the least, which is starting to become more popular: installing charging stations for electric cars in streetlights. A technique that we had already talked about on several occasions, in particular developed by Ubitricity, a subsidiary of the Shell group specializing in recharging.
After taking over the streets of London but also Berlin, the company is now arriving in France and using a similar device, which will soon allow users to be able to connect their electric vehicle directly to street furniture. Something to make life easier for drivers, while preserving the aesthetics of the streets.
A first in France
It is therefore Le Havre, in Normandy, that Ubitricity has chosen to test its innovative device, for the very first time in France. As it details in its press release, the company will install no less than 500 charging points in the coastal city, starting this summer. These terminals will then be integrated directly into lampposts, in order to be as invisible as possible. To note that these will be powered solely by renewable energy.
Several types of charging stations will therefore be installed, namely 478 powered by alternating current with a power of 22 kW, all of which will be available by the end of 2024 and 56 terminals operating in direct current, then offering up to 150 kW. As stated in the press release, the locations will be determined with the local authorities and have not yet been chosen.
Simplified access
As is already the case in London and Berlin, all you have to do is scan the QR Code installed on the terminal with your smartphone to be able to start charging. The price of the latter will then simply be debited via the service application to which the user subscribes, if it is compatible with the charging point. These can be located via terminal search apps, such as Shell Recharge but also ChargeMap, most likely.
In its press release, Ubitricity points out that “ we plan to collaborate with more cities in France and across Europe in their transition to e-mobility“. If the list is not yet known, other French municipalities should soon be equipped with charging stations integrated into streetlights.
In order to cut the road without a hitch, an electric car must recharge quickly. We present here those who are most comfortable in this exercise. Be careful, however, to have the charging power…
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