THE world’s first residential ‘pop-up’ on-street electric vehicle charging points are being trialled in Oxford.

The ‘OxPops’ trial features six ‘UEone’ retractable pavement bollards installed in Lonsdale Road, Summertown.

The trial - which started in September and runs until next month - aims to provide electric vehicle charging capability to residents who live on a terraced street with on-road parking, and aims to resolve the struggle residents may have to charge their electric vehicles.

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The pop-up charging points allow residents who are involved in the trial to charge their electric vehicles for free at any of the six charging points on the street.

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The charging points are app-operated and retract underground when not in use to reduce street clutter.

Tom Hayes, cabinet member for zero carbon Oxford, said: “We’ve brought investment into the city to test different electric vehicle charging technologies and ensure residents get the best new public infrastructure.

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“By trialling the world’s first pop-up on-street chargers, we’re freeing our streets of clutter for residents with impaired mobility or for those pushing children in buggies.

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"We’re ensuring that more people can own or drive EVs, especially those who want to switch but just don’t have driveways for off-street charging.

"The electric revolution should be open to all, whether they can afford homes with driveways or not.”

The installation of the pop-up charging hub aims to have no impact on residents’ ability to park on Lonsdale Road.

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The trial aims to remove the requirement for exclusive electric vehicle spaces, with both electric and non-electric vehicles able to use the spaces. However, use of the pop-up charging points is limited to trial participants who live on Lonsdale Road.

Last year, Oxford was awarded £473,595 from OLEV which was administered by Innovate UK to trial the technology.

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The successful bid was made in partnership between Duku, Urban Electric and Oxford City Council.

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Following the successful bid, residents were encouraged to nominate their street to take part in the trial.

Lonsdale Road was selected following its nomination by local residents.

The installation of the charging points was carried out by Oxford Direct Services, which is helping Oxford to deliver its Zero Emission Zone.

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The council is also working with Co-Wheels Car Club as part of the trial to provide electric BMW i3 for residents involved in the trial to use free of charge to allow wider participation in the trial.

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Richard Falconer, managing director of Co-wheels, said: “Co-wheels is always looking to increase the number of electric cars on our fleet, and innovative new charging systems such as these will allow us to reach more residential areas.

"Oxford has a thriving car club already, and we are pleased to continue our work with the council and Urban Electric to expand our service as part of this project.”