ELECTRIC vehicle charging solutions provider Triex EV has installed the first ‘pay-as-you-charge’ electric vehicle charging point for residential apartments in the north.
Located at the luxury Adnahona apartments complex in Coleraine, it's the first time this particular charger has been installed commercially in Ireland, and its innovative technology and ease of use is proving to be a hit for residents and the public in the area who need a quick top-up of charge for their electric vehicle.
The installation comes as driver representative body the Electric Vehicle Association Northern Ireland (EVANI) told Stormont’s infrastructure committee that increasing numbers of broken chargers across the north is making people less inclined to convert to electric cars (almost 60 per cent of drivers say they would consider returning to petrol or diesel vehicles because of the poor state of the region's charging infrastructure).
Key benefits of Triex EV’s chosen charger is there is no need to download an app, users simply arrive at the charger, plug in their charging lead, chose the amount of time or value they would like to charge for, tap the front of the unit with their bank card, mobile phone or alternatively using chip and pin in order to pay.
Triex EV managing director Mark McGillion says: “These electric vehicle chargers make life easier for users. Previously landlords that provided electric chargers would add the electricity cost into the overall management fee, which was absorbed by all tenants whether they used the chargers or not.
“This was not an attractive proposition and led to many complaints. Our chargers are extremely convenient as residents and visitors simply pay straight away and only for the charge they use.”
Invest NI has also signed Triex as its first-ever EV company.
Mr McGillion added: “Since installing the Coleraine unit we have had a spike in enquiries from business owners, property developers and retail parks who also see the value of this type of charger.
“The main selling point is that they bill each user separately through a key fob or card using a RFI code, as well as a pay-as-you-charge function for visitors using their debit or credit card. Individual tariffs can be set at the request of the site owner, and in any currency.”
Northern Ireland currently has around 4,700 electric vehicles, which falls short of the 15,000 it should have at this point to meet government targets.
Mark McCall from EVANI said: “We welcome all public and private investment around electric vehicle charging. Our members love their EVs and building out the infrastructure to support their growing numbers is vital as we transition to sustainable transport.”
