EVolution: now appearing at the O2

As part of its recent three-year deal to become the Official Automotive Partner for the O2 Arena, Nissan has created an Innovation Centre on the site, which will be used as the communications hub for the launch of the Nissan LEAF, the world’s first, mass produced, 100% electric family car.  As part of that centre, Nissan turned to EVolution to provide the complete turnkey charging point installation.

John Parslow, Marketing Communications Manager, Nissan Motor (GB) Limited comments, “The O2 Arena offers us the space, support and exposure to showcase our brand to over 7.5 million people every year.  It will be a focal point for the UK launch of the LEAF, and as such, all elements of the Innovation Station must be completed to the best standards.  We have an enviable reputation and huge expectations for the LEAF, and our commitment to quality extends to the ancillary services such as the electric charging points.  We chose to work with EVolution as they are ideally placed to provide us with the technological expertise and full service that we require for such a high profile launch venue.”

Mike Halliwell of EVolution explains the scope of works:  “With such national prominence, the O2 Arena installation is key for Nissan.  They required the installation to have the most up-to-date, reliable and easy-to-use charging equipment available and to ensure that the installation could accommodate technological advances.   Such future-proofing will ensure that when advances, such as rapid-charge equipment becoming readily available, upgrading the site will be straightforward.” 

The works completed by EVolution included all civil infrastructure works, trenching, concrete supports and plinths, reinstatements and electrical works, switch gear upgrades, cable installation, charging equipment installation and commissioning.

Taking advantage of its wealth of expertise and benefiting from both civil and electrical engineering know-how, EVolution was able to perform the site surveys, then design and engineer an appropriate solution, appropriate the site and anticipated usage.  A 3 phase 160A supply was installed to a new distribution board, local to the electric charging points.  Utilising this supply would accommodate one 50kW rapid charge, two 32A single phase and two 13A charging points, offering a choice of charging solutions for electric vehicles.

As John Parslow concludes:  “A charging infrastructure that is safe, reliable and easily accessible for drivers is critical to the success of electric vehicles such as the LEAF.  With the EVolution installation at the O2 Arena, we are confident of success.”