Urban Fox, a partnership between Balfour Beatty Investments and Urban Electric Networks, was recently featured on BBC News for its groundbreaking Mk5 UEone electric vehicle (EV) charger. The Mk5 UEone is Europe's first fully retractable EV charger, designed to seamlessly rise from the ground and retract flat and flush underground when not in use, leaving pavements clutter-free. Urban Fox CEO Oli Freeling-Wilkinson highlighted the importance of this innovative technology, emphasizing its ability to provide charging infrastructure without being a permanent, unsightly fixture. The company has installed 18 Mk5 UEone chargers across nine locations in Dundee, on behalf of Dundee City Council, following a successful two-and-a-half-year trial.
Freeling-Wilkinson stated, "We know we need more charging infrastructure but I don't think we want permanent, unsightly, pieces of infrastructure that stay there the whole time - so this is the best of both worlds. It hides away when not in use so it doesn't impact those using the pavement but, when you do need to use it, it comes out the ground." He also praised the engineering behind the technology, emphasizing its safety, reliability, and ability to function in various weather conditions.
Urban Fox, formed in March 2023, provides local authorities with an end-to-end solution for EV charging needs, including planning, design, installation, operation, and maintenance. The company aims to offer a seamless, hassle-free experience for near-home customers, providing a comprehensive range of near-home and car park charging solutions, including the award-winning retractable UEone charge point. For those interested in learning more, the full Urban Fox report can be accessed on BBC iPlayer.
For media inquiries, Tom Boorman from Balfour Beatty can be contacted at +44 (0)203 810 2345 or [email protected]. All non-media related inquiries should be directed to +44 (0)20 7216 6800 or [email protected].