NEW electric vehicle charging points are being introduced to on-street parking areas in Coventry.
The first of a new phase of Char.gy charging points, made by a Coventry-based manufacturer, have been installed.
Torrington Avenue-based Sarginsons – which traditionally makes aluminium castings for the automotive and energy sectors – has diversified to become the sole supplier to electric vehicle charging point manufacturer Char.gy.
Char.gy has developed software and hardware which allows charging points to be connected into existing on-street lampposts as well as standalone bollard options.
Both types of charging point can draw their electricity from the lampposts, removing the requirement for additional cabling infrastructure – allowing vehicle owners in urban areas where only on-street parking is available to access charging points.
The first 69 bollards made by Sarginsons have now been installed at locations across the city, starting in Harefield Road in Ball Hill.
The bollards, designed by Char.gy and assisted by Sarginsons technology centre manager Gavin Shipley, were installed by contractor Sigma.
Sarginsons produces the final product for Char.gy, an example of the company’s Design for Manufacture process driven by its new Technology Centre.
Sarginsons managing director Anthony Evans said: “We are delighted to see the first Char.gy bollards made here at Sarginsons being installed – and it’s great that it is happening here in our home city.
“This is a very exciting moment for everyone involved. For us, this is a great example of how we are diversifying to offer additional services to clients, and it is happening right here in Coventry with further orders and trials in the others parts of the country.
“We look forward to continuing our work with Char.gy – it’s a partnership that could grow and grow over the coming years as more and more towns and cities see the benefits the bollards and lamppost mounts can bring.”
Coventry City Council’s jobs and regeneration spokesman Coun Jim O’Boyle said: “The new electric charging points are a crucial part of our work to improve the transport infrastructure in the city and to facilitate the use of electric vehicles in the months and years ahead.
“This has benefits for air quality, and addressing climate change.
“I’m also pleased that Sarginsons – a highly skilled Coventry business – is manufacturing dozens of the charge points.
“I visited the company in February and saw first-hand their efforts to embrace new environmental technologies. Its success also highlights the benefits of being part of the Coventry & Warwickshire Green Business Network which is being delivered by Coventry City Council.”
Richard Stobart founded and started to develop Char.gy in 2016 after identifying a gap in the market for on-street charging points. In 2019, Char.gy changed its supplier, signing a contract with Sarginsons to produce them.
He said: “I am excited to see the first units supplied by Sarginsons on the streets of Coventry. It is great to see these being added to our portfolio of units already available in Coventry and other areas of the UK. We are looking forward to growing our relationship with Sarginsons as we sell more of our units.”
