The Infrastructure Podcast: Episode 44

Guest:  Kate Tyrrell, founder of ChargeSafe

Finding a safe place to charge up

In this podcast we talk once again about EVs – Electric Vehicles - this time about how to get power into them safely and securely. 

Almost exactly two years ago my guest today Kate Tyrrell launched a brand new business in response to her constant fears and frustrations over the variability of quality and lack of information about the increasing number of EV charging stations popping up all over the UK.

In comparison to the UK’s petrol and diesel fuelling network, with its standardised pumps and fuel grades and covered forecourts, the EV charging network is the wild west.

And for many new and vulnerable EV users, it is an unnerving experience and in many cases a significant barrier to switching from fossil fuel power. Will the charger work with my car? ---- 

Will there be somewhere to get a coffee? Is there a loo? Will I feel safe?

Certainly, there are excellent charging stations being built. But equally there are many chargers popping up in dark windswept car parks off the beaten track, in locations that, frankly, few would feel comfortable hanging out for the 30-60 minutes required to charge up.

Kate Tyrell solution was ChargeSafe, a new business that inspects charging sites and so helps EV drivers to identify which are suitable for your vehicle and provide accurate information on their condition.

As of 1 April 2023, there were 40,150 public electric vehicle charging devices installed in the UK – up 8% since the end of 2022 – up 33% in a year. The National Infrastructure Commission latest recommendation is for an extra 300,000 charging stations to be online by 2030. 

ChargeSafe’s goal is to ensure that, as this number grows, safe and reliable charging is available for everyone. It seems to be working because this week they picked up a coveted Evie - Electric Vehicle Innovation & Excellence special recognition award for their efforts! Let’s hear how.

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