Key Points
- · Bolton Council launches a pilot scheme enabling on-street electric vehicle (EV) charging using innovative technology from Trojan Energy.
- · The pilot allows residents without driveways to charge EVs directly from their household energy supply via Trojan Home chargers.
- · The scheme offers charge at home energy tariffs, resulting in potential savings of up to 50% compared to public rapid chargers.
- · The cost for participating residents is £50 per month for the charger installation and access.
- · Trojan Energy’s flat and flush kerbside charging points keep pavements clear and do not require dedicated EV bays.
- · Trojan Energy has installed similar networks in London boroughs and is expanding operations with £9 million investment backing.
- · The initiative supports Bolton’s commitment to net zero and encourages EV adoption among residents lacking off-street parking.
- · Residents use a plug-and-play adaptor to connect to kerbside charge points, avoiding app logins or complicated billing.
- · The system offers up to 22kW charging with off-peak tariffs for cost efficiency and convenience.
What is the new EV charging pilot scheme introduced in Bolton?
As reported by Alan Weston of The Bolton News, Bolton Council has launched a pioneering pilot scheme to make charging electric vehicles easier and more affordable for residents without off-street parking. The pilot utilises Trojan Energy’s innovative technology, allowing residents who park on-street to charge their EVs directly from their household energy supply.
The pilot is designed to tackle a key barrier to EV adoption: many households in Bolton do not have driveways, making traditional home charging impossible. Trojan Energy's solution deploys flat and flush kerbside charging points embedded in pavements, which connect to residents’ home electricity tariffs, enabling convenient and cost-effective charging right outside their homes.
How does Trojan Energy's EV charging technology work?
According to information from Trojan Energy's official site and media sources, the company's technology features kerbside charge points that sit flush to the pavement to avoid clutter and obstruction. Residents receive a portable plug-and-play adaptor that connects their EV to these on-street sockets. There is no need for smartphone apps or log-ins; charging is recorded automatically and invoiced later.
The system provides up to 22kW of power, optimising charging speeds according to the household’s energy supply and off-peak tariff availability. Importantly, the technology does not require dedicated EV parking bays, which helps maintain residential parking without reducing spaces.
What are the financial benefits for Bolton residents using the Trojan pilot?
As detailed by Alan Weston in The Bolton News, residents participating in the pilot pay a monthly charge of £50, covering installation and access to the Trojan Home charger. This enables them to charge at their home energy tariff rates, which can lead to savings of up to 50% compared to public rapid charging stations.
Trojan Energy also emphasises that on-street home charging is more affordable over time than relying on rapid public chargers, which carry a premium. The pilot thus supports both cost savings and environmental goals by encouraging more widespread use of electric vehicles.
Why is Bolton piloting this scheme, and how does it fit into wider EV infrastructure trends?
Bolton Council’s initiative aligns with local and national ambitions to reduce carbon emissions and meet net zero targets. As explained by Robert Poole, EV Infrastructure Service Manager for supporting local authorities (quoted on Trojan Energy’s site for similar projects), the technology and economic model allow significant rollout on streets without disrupting existing parking or urban aesthetics.
The pilot’s deployment follows successful Trojan Energy installations in London boroughs such as Barnet, where over 1,300 on-street chargers with flat and flush technology have been installed to declutter public areas and provide fair community EV charging access.
This pilot therefore represents an important step in enabling EV uptake among communities traditionally underserved by charging infrastructure due to lack of off-street parking options.
How is the pilot scheme impacting residents and the community?
Residents gain unprecedented convenience by charging vehicles seamlessly at the kerbside using their household energy supply. The lack of required apps and hassle-free billing process reduces complexity and encourages adoption among all age demographics.
Furthermore, the flat design of the charging points ensures pavements remain unobstructed and safe for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, preserving public space aesthetics and safety.
The pilot thus balances the technical needs of EV drivers with community considerations, enhancing liveability while contributing to sustainable transport goals.
What role is Trojan Energy playing in EV infrastructure deployment in the UK?
Trojan Energy is spearheading the innovation of kerbside EV charging for drivers without driveways. Backed by £9 million investment, the company is scaling manufacturing and deployment to meet growing demand for convenient residential charging solutions.
Founder and CEO Mackenzie highlighted that this technology is a "game changer" allowing people who park on-street to access rapid home charging without dedicated bays or clutter, accelerating the UK's journey toward net zero.
The company’s partnership with local councils, including Bolton, exemplifies a collaborative approach to retrofit urban areas with smart EV infrastructure accessible to all residents.