Infrastructure provider, FOR EV completes a landmark project installing charging hubs at Network Rail Scotland’s key operational depots in Irvine and Cowlairs, Glasgow

FOR EV has completed the first of two major EV charging hub installations in a landmark project that will support Network Rail Scotland in electrifying its operational fleet.

In Irvine and Cowlairs, Glasgow, FOR EV has installed a combination of AC and DC charging technology designed specifically for the complex operational needs of Network Rail Scotland. 

The charging hubs have the capacity to charge 56 fleet vehicles simultaneously and include load-balancing technology to meet the specific requirements of a highly specialised fleet that is incredibly responsive to the demands of the rail network. 

The first EV charging hub at Irvine was delivered in just nine weeks with the support of utilities contractor, Energy Assets, with uninterrupted access 24/7 during installation to ensure the site was fully operational for Network Rail Scotland.

The project has been tailored to Network Rail Scotland’s current and future vehicle requirements and demonstrates FOR EV’s ability to deliver bespoke solutions for complex charging and operational needs while providing industry-leading charging technology, designed to cope with all the adverse Scottish weather conditions. 

It forms part of Network Rail’s National Road Fleet Transformation Programme (NRFTP), which will see its fleet cars and vans transition to zero emission vehicles. FOR EV has been contracted by Network Rail Scotland to not only install but also operate and maintain state-of-the-art charging systems for years to come.

FOR EV’s main investor, The Scottish National Investment Bank, is supporting the company’s ambitions to help businesses that can accelerate Scotland’s journey towards net zero.

Transport is the UK’s biggest contributor to carbon emissions, with fleets being responsible for a significant part of the UK’s carbon footprint. To address this challenge, in addition to providing ‘destination’ charging at public locations, FOR EV has developed a bespoke solution for fleet owners and operators. This includes grid connection, installation, service and maintenance, insurance, 24/7 support, 98% uptime, and comprehensive management information reporting. 

FOR EV’s charge points only use 100% fully accredited renewable energy, further supporting ESG reporting requirements.

FOR EV’s fleet solution delivers a cost-effective option for fleet operators. The advantage of no upfront capital costs for hardware or installation means that any fleet operator can simply focus on managing their core business. 

A pre-agreed cost per kW charge is based on their annual fleet mileage and invoiced quarterly. This unique model delivers savings for customers and de-risks the potentially expensive move to electric charging. 

Network Rail Scotland’s EV fleet will not only enjoy the benefits of the dedicated charging stations at Irvine and Cowlairs, but can also access FOR EV’s growing public network of charge points across the country, while utilising their pre-purchased electricity and personalised RFID cards at any of FOR EV’s charge points. 

FOR EV’s Lindsay Wallace, Executive Director, Sales & Innovations Europe, said:
“We’ve developed a strong working relationship and created a bespoke and beneficial solution for Network Rail Scotland. It enabled us to deliver a complex project on time and budget to the highest possible standards of compliance. 

Network Rail Scotland has been a great organisation to work with and we are delighted to be part of their journey to Net Zero. We have demonstrated that we can meet the expectations of large and complex organisations who operate nationally important infrastructure, working to the highest standards of quality and assurance.

Transitioning a fleet of the past to a fleet of the future is symbolic of FOR EV’s overarching purpose, to help accelerate the move to more sustainable means of travel.”

Wendi Wheeler, Principal Environment & Social Value Manager at Network Rail Scotland said: 
“Providing the infrastructure in our operational depots, to enable our road fleet’s transition to zero emission, is a challenge. We decided to look at things differently in Scotland, drawing in expertise and funding from outside of Network Rail to deliver charging infrastructure quicker and cheaper than it would otherwise have been. FOR EV and Energy Assets have demonstrated excellence throughout and provided expert guidance on the technology as we make the changes necessary to decarbonise our road fleet.” 

Andy Clapp, Portfolio Director at the Scottish National Investment Bank said: 
“One of the Bank’s key missions is to support Scotland’s journey to net zero by investing in businesses helping to speed the transition. FOR EV are a great example of a company doing just that. They are working in innovative ways to help decarbonise transportation, creating a cleaner future.”

Brian Ward, Managing Director for Construction at Energy Assets said:
"We’re thrilled to have played a pivotal role in this innovative project. Our team is proud to have ensured seamless execution and uninterrupted access to charging facilities. Working alongside FOR EV, we’re committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions that support Scotland's transition to sustainable transportation."