Urban Fox, a partnership between Balfour Beatty Investments and Urban Electric Networks, has secured a contract with Newport City Council to install one of the first lamp post electric vehicle (EV) charging networks in Wales. This landmark deal marks a significant milestone in both Urban Fox’s journey and the country’s transition to sustainable transport.
A total of 120 chargers will be installed across Newport, with some streets featuring multiple units. Instead of building new infrastructure, the chargers will be installed directly onto existing streetlamps to maximise pavement space, improve accessibility and maintain the character of the residential streets.
Urban Fox was established to address the growing need for accessible and innovative EV charging infrastructure, combining Urban Electric Networks’ innovative and entrepreneurial spirit with Balfour Beatty’s unmatched scale, skill and capabilities in financing and delivering infrastructure in the heart of local communities.
The partnership provides end-to-end solutions, from funding and planning to installation and maintenance and offers a comprehensive range of EV charging solutions, including the award-winning retractable UEone charge point, which is the first of its kind.
Oli Freeling-Wilkinson, CEO of Urban Fox, said: "This is a hugely exciting moment for Urban Fox. Securing our first-ever contract and delivering one of Wales’ first lamp post EV chargers is a major milestone in our mission to revolutionise on-street charging.
"By seamlessly integrating chargers into existing infrastructure, we’re not only cutting costs and reducing street clutter but also making EV charging more accessible than ever. This is about unlocking the full potential of our streets and helping even more people transition to cleaner, greener transport. We’re proud to be playing our part in the charge towards a net zero future, and this is just the beginning."
Ion Appuhamy, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty Investments, said: “Securing this contract with Newport Council marks a significant milestone for Urban Fox and is testament to our commitment to driving innovative, sustainable solutions which will enable the members of the public to play their part in the UK’s Net Zero agenda.”
Councillor Yvonne Forsey, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, added: “We are continuing to look for innovative ways to expand the coverage of our charging network. These new chargers are perfect for streets where there is limited pavement space to install a more traditional charging unit. We’ve already been shown to be providing the best coverage in Wales for houses with no access to off-street parking, and these installations will only improve that level of coverage.”
Residents who would like to request a charger in their street are encouraged to contact Newport Council at EVCharging@newport.gov.uk.
For further information on Urban Fox’s innovative on-street charge point, for product demonstrations or discussions on how Urban Fox can support your area to deploy charge points, please contact enquiries@urbanfox.network.
ENDS
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Mohsin Sufi
Urban Fox
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Mohsin.sufi@balfourbeatty.com
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Notes to editors:
About Urban Fox
Urban Fox is a partnership between Balfour Beatty, the international infrastructure group, and Urban Electric Network, a British EV charge point operator, formed in March 2023.
Urban Fox provides local authorities with an end-to-end solution to the EV charging needs of near-home customers –from financing, planning and design to installation, operation, and maintenance, ensuring a seamless, hassle-free experience.
Urban Fox offers a comprehensive range of near-home and car park charging solutions, including its award-winning retractable UEone charge point.
Image: Urban Fox logo
