Newport Council, Urban Fox Launch EV Chargers
Urban Fox, a joint venture between Balfour Beatty Investments and Urban Electric Networks, has secured a pioneering contract with Newport City Council to deploy one of the first lamp post electric vehicle (EV) charging networks in Wales. This groundbreaking agreement represents a major milestone in both the company’s trajectory and Wales’ broader commitment to sustainable, low-emission transport infrastructure.
Under the new contract, Urban Fox will install a total of 120 EV chargers across various locations in Newport. Several streets will host multiple units to ensure wide and equitable access to charging facilities. What makes this initiative particularly innovative is the use of existing infrastructure. Instead of constructing new charging points, the technology will be directly integrated into current streetlamps. This approach helps maximize pavement space, preserves the aesthetic and character of residential neighborhoods, and enhances accessibility for all users, including those with mobility challenges.
The formation of Urban Fox was driven by the growing demand for more accessible, user-friendly EV charging infrastructure across the UK. The partnership combines the technical ingenuity and agile business model of Urban Electric Networks with the financial strength, project management expertise, and construction capabilities of Balfour Beatty. This synergy allows Urban Fox to deliver comprehensive, end-to-end solutions that encompass planning, financing, installation, and long-term maintenance.
Among the suite of solutions offered by Urban Fox is the award-winning UEone charge point. This unique retractable EV charger is a market-first innovation that remains hidden below ground when not in use, thereby eliminating visual clutter and trip hazards. The UEone has been celebrated for its contribution to enhancing urban environments while providing cutting-edge charging capabilities.
Oli Freeling-Wilkinson, CEO of Urban Fox, expressed enthusiasm about the project and the broader implications for urban EV infrastructure: “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 revolutionize 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, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of innovation in achieving national environmental goals: “Securing this contract with Newport Council marks a significant milestone for Urban Fox and is testament to our commitment to driving innovative, sustainable solutions. These solutions will enable members of the public to play their part in the UK’s Net Zero agenda by providing convenient, reliable, and attractive EV charging options.”
Councillor Yvonne Forsey, Newport City Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, highlighted the local authority’s proactive stance on sustainable transport and infrastructure planning: “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.”
The strategic integration of EV chargers into lamp posts is a forward-thinking solution to one of the most persistent barriers to EV adoption: access to convenient, on-street charging. In urban areas where driveways and private parking spaces are scarce, this solution provides a viable alternative for EV owners and encourages more residents to consider making the switch from petrol or diesel vehicles.
Urban Fox’s initiative also aligns with national and local decarbonization targets. The UK government has set ambitious goals for phasing out internal combustion engine vehicles and achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. To meet these goals, the availability of reliable, accessible EV charging infrastructure is critical. Urban Fox’s solution not only addresses infrastructure gaps but does so in a cost-effective and aesthetically conscious way.
The Newport project could serve as a blueprint for other cities and local authorities across the UK. By demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of lamp post-based EV charging, Urban Fox is paving the way for widespread adoption of this model. The use of pre-existing infrastructure minimizes installation costs and disruption, while also speeding up the deployment process. This model can be replicated in various urban settings, especially in densely populated areas where space is at a premium.
In addition to its environmental benefits, the project is expected to yield positive economic and social outcomes. It supports job creation through the installation and maintenance of charging units and fosters technological innovation within the UK’s infrastructure and clean energy sectors. For Newport, the project enhances the city’s reputation as a leader in sustainability and forward-thinking urban planning.
Looking ahead, Urban Fox plans to continue scaling its operations and introducing its innovative EV solutions to more local councils and private sector partners. The success of this initial contract in Newport is likely to catalyze further collaborations, driving the broader adoption of sustainable transport infrastructure across the UK.
