OX Gul-E 2

The OxGUL-e is a purpose-built cable gully which allows users to safely charge a vehicle parked on-street in front of their homes. Developed by Oxford Direct services (ODS) the OxGUL-e product temporarily secures the charging cable while in use, in a carefully designed and protective sub-surface channel, permanently installed into the footway. This avoids the trip hazards and clutter caused by informal cable crossings and public chargers and the low price point of this solution makes it accessible for self-funding by users and affordable for councils wishing to invest in public infrastructure.

This solution allows households who have to park on-street access to a home charger market and domestic energy tariffs which can be up to 7 times lower than public chargers; so offering an attractive return on the cost. As a resident-funded solution it also removes the revenue burden from local councils and CPNOs currently struggling to fund public on-street chargers due to low utilisation risks.

Innovative licensing developments by Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) makes for rapid uptake possible which could transform the on-street charging landscape. Geospatial mapping allows customers and local authorities to pre-assess sites and likely demand, streamlining processes and supporting investment decisions at individual or area scale.

The purpose of the OxGUL-e 2 project is to move OxGUL-e towards a large scale multi-authority demonstration, by expanding on the development undertaken in the feasibility study. The project will pilot the OxGUL-e in a number of rural and urban locations; delivering detailed and documented testing over a number of areas including installation, durability and maintenance. Alongside physical testing OxGUL-e 2 will explore the strategy and manufacturing requirements for rapid scale-up, identifying investment options and market opportunities including B2B sales through fleet operators, developers, home-charger suppliers and others.