A joint pilot scheme on electric vehicle (EV) charging options has been launched in Fingal, Dublin.

Leaders Fingal County Council and ubitricity have begun testing the new EV options as part of the scheme.

The largest public EV charge point operator in the UK, ubitricity has also recently retrofitted two lamp posts in Malahide village with its EV chargers that are stored inside the post. Fingal County Council will cover the costs of using the chargers during the initial trial, later moving to pay-per-use model.

These two lamp posts located next to Malahide Garda Station and Train Station are ubitricity's first charge points in Ireland. By offering a public charging solution for residents without access to off-street parking like a private garage, ubitricity's objective is to charge EVs when and where they park: overnight and on the street right at their doorstep. Drivers can charge without the need for a subscription by simply scanning the QR code and following the instructions.

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An amendment to the Planning and Development Act in March 2020 extended the use of street lighting poles to include EV charging, enabling the lamp post charging pilot project. To make the transition towards more sustainable transportation easier for Fingal residents, the Council decided to test solutions that would allow on-street parking EV-drivers to charge right where they are parking. The participation and feedback of the local residents will be key to defining the future strategy for rollout of charging infrastructure across Fingal.

Fingal County Council is committed to finding the best solution for its residents and expects testing of the ubitricity solution to be very successful.

Lex Hartman, CEO of ubitricity said: "We look forward to working with councils across Ireland, including Fingal County Council, to help them and customers to switch to electric vehicles. As public demand for EV charging infrastructure is growing exponentially a highly-scalable, and easy to deploy solution is needed for a fast roll-out. The unique compactness helps the charge points to blend in well with the street scenery and keeps the sidewalks clutter-free. Recharging the battery whenever the car is parked anyway will accelerate EV adoption as charging becomes simpler and more convenient."

David Storey, Director of Services for Environment Climate Action and Active Travel at Fingal County Council, added: "The ubitricity pilot in Malahide allows us to gauge public reaction and level of use of this very convenient and non-intrusive type of charging facility. This is just one element of the wider plan for EV infrastructure and sustainable transport within Fingal and we expect it will be well-received by residents and visitors alike."