Manx Utilities announces plans to upgrade electric vehicle charging network

Change of provider from Pod-Point to Evolt Charging

Manx Utilities has announced plans to upgrade the Island's electric vehicle charging network.

The work, due to begin next month, will make the network 'smarter, faster and more reliable' the authority says.

It comes as the MUA says it's seen the Island’s electric vehicle registrations grow to 1,377 in the last 12 months - 71 more than the figure given in Tynwald in April.

There are currently 133 public charging sockets on the Isle of Man.

The work will start at Manx Utilities’ headquarters at Ballacottier, the Comis Hotel and on Loch Promenade.

Rapid chargers already in place at the Sea Terminal and Tesco stores in Peel, Port Erin and Ramsey will not be replaced, but will be integrated on to the new platform, it says.

EV drivers are warned that some charging points may be temporarily out of action during the works, but any outage times and locations will be shared via the MU's website and the Pod-Point App.

The MUA says it's partnered with UK company Evolt Charging to help 'future-proof the Island's EV infrastructure and make it easier and quicker than ever before for drivers to charge their vehicles'.

Current supplier, Pod-Point, has withdrawn from the public charging market, it says.

During the work the majority of existing single-phase 7kW charge points will be upgraded to three-phase 22kW units where possible.

Manx Utilities says: 'The new Evolt infrastructure will include user-friendly features, including RFID card access for easy, contactless charging, compatible across both the UK and Europe.

'Multiple charging options will also be available, such as Pay-As-You-Go via Web-Pay or contactless payment at DC Rapid chargers, and app-based charging through the Swarco eConnect App and Pod-Point App, during the transition to the Evolt eConnect App.

'In addition, card readers may be installed on sites where multiple charge points are in place, such as Shaw’s Brow multi-storey car park in Douglas.'

Manx Utilities assures all Pod-Point charging posts in good condition will be redeployed for its fleet charging, while others will be returned to Pod-Point for recycling.

Chair of Manx Utilities and Douglas North MHK John Wannenburgh says: 'Manx Utilities is dedicated to providing an EV charging network that is not only robust and reliable but also prepared to meet the future needs of the Isle of Man with sufficient charging points sited throughout the Island. With this upgrade, we are confident that our infrastructure will continue to support the growing number of EV drivers and contribute to a more efficient sustainable future for all.

'Of course, there will be assistance and support available for all customers, including a free-phone service which will be in place 24 hours a day, seven days a week from November.'

Anyone with questions is asked to contact EVPoints@manxutilities.im

Manx Radio has invited the Chair of Manx Utilities for an interview.