This is part of the Ultra-Low Emission Vehicles (ULEVs) roll out in support of the Governments ambitious climate change target.
The installation of the charging bay at RAF Brize Norton, was completed in March and involved the installation of two single phase dual sockets (two x 14.7 kW Dual Chargers) and three triple phase Dual Sockets (3 X 44kW Dual Chargers) which will provide a total of 10 electric vehicle charging bays and can be used simultaneously. User training and a central management systems to remotely monitor, identify issues and report usage, was also provided.
Sgt Mark Jenkins (SNCO MT) took control of the charging cards and was responsible for ensuring that ULEVs were switched on to test the newly installed charging points. He said: “Being part of this project has increased my understanding of how contractors deliver direct support to the MOD as we continue to bring projects to fruition. We are making great strides to becoming a sustainable Air Base and NetZero by 2040.”
Squadron Leader David Littlemore, Officer Commanding Station Services Squadron, said: “The move towards increasing numbers of ULEVs at RAF Brize Norton and across the Defence estate requires specialist supporting charging infrastructure to enable this initiative. Through Station Services Squadron, the DIO and Amey working together as a team we have been able to support this initiative with the design and installation of the first phase of charging points and associated infrastructure on time and on budget. This has resulted in huge benefits for the end users on Unit and also those visiting from other defence units with EVs. We hope that this will be the first of many phases as we look to reduce our reliance on petrol and diesel vehicles over the coming years.”
Roy Jameson, Amey’s Project Manager added: “Knowing that this project would support the Government’s target of vehicle fleets being 25% electric by March 2023, there was a real sense of achievement in successfully delivering this project on behalf of Amey, in collaboration with DIO and the RAF at Brize Norton. The benefits of utilising ULEVs as part of the MT White Fleet is tremendous. ULEVs come in all varieties and the White Fleet describes civilian vehicle types as cars, vans and lorries which would not ordinarily have a military role. The use of ULEVs can greatly reduce the emissions that contribute to climate change and smog, improving public health and reducing ecological damage. “
The collaboration of all stakeholders and contractors has resulted in a successful handover and planning has already begun to install a further 10 EV charging points across the site in 2022.