Siemens technology underpins Source London – officially launched by the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson last week – providing the back office infrastructure, IT systems, customer service centre and registration processing. Through Siemens technology, users can access any Source London charge point, anywhere in the city via a single membership card to charge their electric vehicles (EV) for an annual flat rate of GBP100 including electricity. The aim is to have 1,300 charging points by 2013. Source London is expected to attract thousands of electric vehicle drivers over the next three years.
Source London is, one of the largest of the government funded EV projects in the UK, and is key to delivering the Mayor's vision to make London the “EV capital of Europe”. It has been part funded from the Government’s Plugged-In Places initiative (PiP), from the Department for Transport (up to 50%) for the installation of publicly-accessible EV charge points for partners in the Transport for London (TfL) led consortium of private and public sector partners.
Rapid uptake of EV desired
“I want to rapidly accelerate the uptake of EVs and make London the epicentre of electric driving in Europe. Increasing numbers of motorists are opting for cleaner, greener electric transport, delivering a host of benefits to the driver including a 100 per cent congestion charge discount. This is set to deliver considerable environmental benefits to our city,” said Mayor of London, Boris Johnson during the launch. “Through Source London we want to give drivers the confidence that they can plug into this fantastic new motoring technology. We are working with a mighty coalition of motor manufacturers and private sector partners such as Siemens, who are providing the technology support for the scheme, and playing a vital role in helping us create world-class infrastructure for electric motoring.”
Siemens has been working with TfL for a number of years and brings expertise in transportation, traffic management and energy systems as well as the experience gained through involvement in EV infrastructures worldwide. Siemens has made a significant investment in Source London to help deliver it at no extra cost to Londoners.
“Source London sets a new standard for EV projects, in its ambition, scale and technology. It has the potential to radically change the transport landscape for the capital. It is an example of our commitment to the vision for London as a truly sustainable city,” commented Andreas J. Goss, Chief Executive of Siemens plc.
For Source London, Siemens provides the underlying IT systems and services, which link the charging posts to the Siemens-run Source London call centre. This enables Source London members to use charging posts anywhere in the capital. Siemens also provides the infrastructure for customer interaction via a secure web portal, where drivers can register for Source London and receive their membership card. Siemens web functionality allows drivers to register and manage their account, including replacements, membership cards and secure on line payment. The Siemens-run UK-based call centre provides 24/7 emergency customer service for technical issues ensuring members get round the clock assistance when using the charging infrastructure.
Future developments will see the installation of Siemens charging equipment in London. Siemens will install its public electric car charging equipment at its new urban sustainability centre in the Green Enterprise Zone in the Royal Docks in east London and it will be part of to Source London. The centre will demonstrate the real life future for sustainable urban living and will open in Spring 2012.
Ralph Griewing, Siemens AG head of EV infrastructure, said: “the Source London project is pioneering and another example of technological innovation for Siemens. We expect the scheme to be a model for other European EV charging schemes, which will be rolled out in coming years.”
Part of a wider commitment to EV
Source London is part of a much wider portfolio and engagement by Siemens in EV schemes and pilot projects globally. Siemens provides advanced EV infrastructure equipment and service solutions and is engaged in a number of major European projects with other leading brands, such as BMW, as well as establishing its own fleet of over 100 EVs in Germany at its locations in Erlangen, Munich and Berlin. Siemens offers advanced charging equipment with rapid charging capabilities (one hour) for use in a home and public environment.
Siemens is also pioneering components for inside electric cars such as motors and inverters as well as smart grid equipment from meters to grid automation and software for grid controlled charging e.g. with wind power surpluses. Siemens is the coordinator of Green eMotion, a European Union 24 million euro funded project focused on developing a Europe-wide approach to electromobility and mass market development. The project will use test regions to help define the technology, develop a baseline for standards for networks and charging infrastructure, vehicle technology and ICT solutions.
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