We have installed 17 charging points around the city for drivers of electric taxis, and plan to add more. Swarco manages the charging points on our behalf.
Visit the Swarco website or download their app to see:
- a map of the charging points
- information about which charging points are currently in use
- how to use for the charging points
We recommend that you download and use the Swarco app so you can easily find an available charging point.
Costs
As a registered driver of an electric taxi, you are eligible for a preferential rate. To pay at the reduced rate, you must use the contactless RFID card that Swarco gave you when you registered with them.
- With your RFID card:
- £0.45 per kWh for an AC connection
- £0.52 per kWh for a DC connection
- Without your RFID card:
- £0.54 per kWh for an AC connection
- £0.72 per kWh for a DC connection
- Prices include VAT
You can apply for an RFID card online if you do not already have one. You must then register your card to receive the reduced rate. The form will ask you to identify your licence and vehicle so they can be linked with your RFID card.
- Contact Swarco at contactRFID@swarco.com to report any problems with your card.
- Contact us at taxi@cambridge.gov.uk if you have any problems using the form.
Time limits
At most of the locations there are some charging points for taxis only and some that anybody can use. You can use any of them with your RFID card.
You can use the charging points for up to one hour at a time. There is no time restriction at Parkside, but try not to stay longer so other drivers can use the bays.
If you see a vehicle using a charging point that it is not eligible to use, or staying longer than the time limit, report it to Cambridgeshire County Council on 01223 727 915. The county council is responsible for the enforcement of parking restrictions.
Using the charging points
Each charging point can recharge more than one vehicle at a time, although doing so can reduce the power output available to each vehicle.
If a charging point is not working, check whether the reset button on the side has been pressed. Twisting the button to release it might reactivate the unit.
If you need to report a problem with a charging point, use the contact details listed on it. Make sure to include the charging point’s reference number, which usually begins with ‘SEC’.
The charging points occasionally go offline for a few minutes while their software updates.
Types of charging point
Rapid charging points are rated up to 50kW. They each have two DC connections – one suitable for a CCS connection and one that can be used with a Chademo connection.
Rapid charge points also include a Type 2 connection (see below), which can charge up to 22kW.
Fast charging points are rated up to 22kW and come with two Type 2 connections.
