Urban Fox unveils Europe's first fully retractable EV chargers at V&A Dundee

Urban Fox, a partnership between Balfour Beatty Investments and Urban Electric Networks, has today unveiled the UEone, Europe’s first fully retractable electric vehicle (EV) chargers, at a launch event held at the internationally renowned design museum, V&A Dundee, Scotland.

Following over seven years of development and a successful two-and a half-year trial, 18 new Mk5 UEone chargers have been installed by Urban Fox across nine locations in Dundee, on behalf of Dundee City Council.

Designed with accessibility in mind, the award-winning, 7kW on-street charge points are the first of their kind to the market. The UEone effortlessly rises from the ground to an accessible height, and when not in use, auto-retracts flat and flush underground, leaving pavements clutter free and more accessible to pedestrians, when compared to other available EV charge points.

By simply downloading the Urban Fox App, members of the public can easily summon the UEone to rise from the ground, power their EV and track their usage. At the launch event, Smart UK, a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz Group and Geely Holding, presented one of its latest award-winning electric models, the Smart #1. A compact SUV designed for urban environments, yet offering up to 273 miles of range, the #1 represents the kind of EV that can take full advantage of improved on-street charging.

Oli Freeling-Wilkinson, CEO of Urban Fox, said: "After more than seven years of intensive development and testing, we are immensely proud to unveil Europe's only flat and flush charging solution that complies with the highest accessibility standards. At Urban Fox we are passionate about addressing the pressing need for near-home EV charging infrastructure across the UK, to ensure that no one is left behind on the road to net zero.”

Gavin Russell, Chief Executive Officer of Balfour Beatty Investments, added: “Today’s launch marks a significant milestone in the UK’s journey to achieving net zero. The launch at the renowned V&A museum in Dundee highlights how innovative technology can significantly enhance, not detract from urban spaces and living.”

Dundee City Council Fair Work, Economic Growth & Infrastructure Convener, Councillor Steven Rome, marked the launch of the UEone chargers in Dundee by saying: ''I am pleased to see Dundee City Council invest in low-emission transport, further proving that we are continuously making progress towards achieving our net-zero targets. Dundee City Council believes that it is important to deploy charge points that are as accessible as possible to deliver equitable access to EV charging solutions, and this innovation helps cater to the needs of our communities.’’

Jason Allbutt, Chief Executive Officer of Smart UK, added: “As manufacturers like Smart continue the drive to make the UK’s transition to electric mobility a success, it is vital that our products are supported by a robust and reliable charging network. The development of innovative yet practical near-home charging solutions is therefore vital to ensuring that as many people as possible can benefit from the cheap, clean and convenient transport provided by electric vehicles.”

Urban Fox, voted Top 6 European Cleantech Start-up by Climate-KIC - the EU’s innovation agency - combines Urban Electric Networks’ innovative and entrepreneurial spirit with Balfour Beatty’s unmatched scale, skill and capabilities in delivering infrastructure in the heart of local communities, building on the company’s experience and longstanding relationships with public realm services and local authorities.

For further information on Urban Fox’s innovative on-street charge point, for product demonstrations or discussions on how Urban Fox can support your area to deploy charge points, please contact enquiries@urbanfox.network.