Technology news round-up (19/10/2017)

With news on: Ford to research smart mobility and air quality, and; Teesside University installs 12 EV charging points.

Ford opens smart mobility centre

Motor giant Ford has opened a ‘smart mobility centre’ in London, which will work on projects aimed at improving air quality, easing congestion and ‘broadening’ mobility for city dwellers.

Ford’s president, Jim Hackett and Ford’s Smart Mobility Director Sarah-Jayne Williams 

Located within the Here East campus in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park the centre will work on smart mobility technologies focusing on the “specific requirements of European cities”.

Commenting on the development, Ford president and chief executive Jim Hackett, said: “London is not only one of Europe’s biggest mega-cities, it is also one of the most progressive in its openness to new ideas and new partners, as we work together to create smart vehicles for a smart world.

“Here East is the perfect location for Ford’s European smart mobility hub with Plexal’s incredible talent pool and start-up diversity right on the doorstep.”

Ford is currently carrying out a trial of 20 plug-in hybrid Transit vans in London, involving organisations including: Addison Lee, Autoglass, British Gas, BskyB, Clancy Plant, DPD, Heathrow, Kier, Mears, Metropolitan Police, Morrison Utility Services, Speedy Services and TfL.

Teesside University installs 12 EV charging points

Teesside University has taken delivery of 12 AutoCharge electric vehicle charging points from UK charge point developer Rolec EV.

Rolec EV has installed 12 electric vehicle charging points on behalf of Teesside University

The charging points were manufactured and supplied for Teeside University, across two project phases.

Managing Director of Rolec EV, Kieron Alsop, commented: “We are delighted that Teesside University has chosen to install our EV Charge Online network for users of its EV charging points.

“Our EV Charge Online network, which is fast gaining renown for becoming the people’s choice, is continuing to flourish at a rapid rate.

“Hosts implementing the EV Charge Online system can allow EV drivers to pay-to-charge via mobile phone – using secure payment platforms such as PayPal, Visa, Mastercard and American Express.

“The EV driver does not have to pay any subscription, membership or connection fees – they simply pay the tariff advertised on the charging point, then drive away just like they would after having topped up an ICE vehicle at a petrol station.”