Vehicle leasing specialist Novuna claims a significant milestone by opening a cutting-edge Electric Vehicle charging forecourt in Trowbridge. The facility boasts the UK's inaugural permanent cableless, fully wireless EV charging feature, underlining Novuna's commitment to pushing the boundaries of sustainable mobility.
The forecourt encompasses 12 Alternating Current (AC) charging bays, capable of delivering up to 22 kW of power. This capacity ensures that an average EV, equipped with an 11 kW onboard charger and a 50 kWh battery, can achieve a full charge in under five hours. In addition, the site incorporates four Direct Current (DC) rapid charging bays with the ability to supply up to 100 kW of power, facilitating a near-full charge for an EV within one hour.
What sets this facility apart is its innovative approach to power generation. Sixteen electric vehicles can be charged simultaneously, drawing energy from a solar canopy over the AC bays combined with a grid connection. Impressively, an estimated 70% of the energy consumed for employee charging is sourced from Novuna's own renewable generation. The site includes a 180 kWh battery storage facility equipped with an energy management system, allowing the storage of unused solar-generated energy and enabling peak-saving trickle charging, contributing to lower CO2 emissions.
Constructed using lower CO2 concrete and equipment, the forecourt introduces the UK's first permanent cableless, fully wireless EV charging facility with charging pads integrated across each parking bay, accommodating cars, vans, and accessibility bays.
The landmark installation not only showcases Novuna Vehicle Solutions' innovation in leasing but, the company hopes, it will also highlight its commitment to providing end-to-end EV charging infrastructure capabilities. Fleets visiting the site will experience a variety of charging hardware technologies applicable to their own depot and workplace sites.
Integral to the installation is the introduction of a charge point management system and a corresponding driver app named ‘My Novuna Charging‘. This system enables Novuna Vehicle Solutions to effectively manage its own charging network and its customer's charge points. It offers fleet drivers real-time visibility into charging events and energy consumption, along with remote hardware maintenance for fleets. In the near future, the system will also provide access to other corporate, private, and public networks.
Jon Lawes, Managing Director of Novuna Vehicle Solutions, expressed the significance of the forecourt, stating, “The opening of our groundbreaking EV charging forecourt represents a major milestone not only for Novuna Vehicle Solutions but for the entire contract hire and leasing industry.” He emphasised the facility's role in showcasing the company's end-to-end charging capabilities and energy management solutions.
As a leading advocate for zero-emission vehicles, Lawes highlighted the forecourt's contribution to carbon neutrality, labelling it as “one of the largest and greenest charging facilities in Wiltshire.”
The launch event drew attention from industry professionals, including BVRLA Head of Policy and Public Affairs Thomas McLennan and the co-founder of ZapMap. Major manufacturers like BMW, Volvo, Cupra, VW, Genesis, and Hyundai were also present, alongside visionary partners including Michelin, RAC, and Gridserve. They were joined by over 600 Novuna employees.
Novuna Vehicle Solutions is one of the UK's top 10 largest leasing companies, boasting over 30 years' experience in providing bespoke fleet finance and fleet management services. Over 30% of Novuna's fleet is already pure electric, and this number continues to grow daily.
With a fleet exceeding 140,000 vehicles, spanning cars, vans, and Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), Novuna offers comprehensive funding, maintenance, accident, and daily rental management services, supporting customers across every stage of the vehicle life cycle.
Novuna Vehicle Solutions is hoping to stand out in the market by offering an end-to-end decarbonisation solution, covering vehicle leasing and management to infrastructure, charge point management, and energy storage. As part of Mitsubishi HC Capital Inc., one of the world's largest financial groups, with assets exceeding £60 billion, Novuna Vehicle Solutions is at the forefront of leading the charge on electric vehicle adoption.
You can find out more about Novuna's salary sacrifice scheme here.
