Southern Rail to upgrade its EV network

Southern Rail has signed a deal with Pod Point to upgrade its current stock of 48 units across 23 of its stations.

The upgrade aims to support the growing number of motorists that are driving electric vehicles by providing a quicker and free-to-use charging system.

The first phase of the upgrade project is now complete, having begun at Chichester station.

The existing stock of EV charging units have been replaced by Pod Point’s Open Charge Points.

They are open to everyone and do not require membership or RFID cards.

They can be accessed using Pod Point’s mobile application.

The EV charging units are located in London and across the South. They can be found in car parks at the following stations; Arundel, Ashtead, Barnham, Brighton, Chichester, Crawley, Coulsdon South, Crowborough, Dorking, East Grinstead, Eastbourne, Ham Street, Hassocks, Horsham, Hove, Norbury, Sutton, Lingfield, Purley, Redhill, South Croydon, Streatham and Whyteleafe.

The Open Charge points will be 7kW, which provide enough charge to power around 30 miles of range per hour. Each unit comes with twin sockets, which means two vehicles can be charged simultaneously.

Colin Morris, head of safety and environment at Govia Thameslink Railway, said: "This project is a key part of our environmental strategy for Southern, and demonstrates to our passengers that we are seriously committed to sustainable travel.

“Among a raft of improvements, the upgrade project will see the power supply upgraded, meaning quicker charging, as well as the addition of a simpler interface to improve the customer experience."