Electric vehicle charging points to be installed at Wellingborough railway station

East Midlands Railway (EMR) is to install four Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points at Wellingborough station early next year.

The charging points will be installed near the entrance to the station’s car park. They will have fast-charging capability, and can reach up to 80 percent charge in about 30 minutes.

All of the charging units are pay-as-you-go, and do not require a subscription to access. There is no connection charge. Drivers simply tap their contactless credit or debit card and only pay for the electricity that they use.

[NWR] wellingborough station — Credit: Network Rail

With the chargers, electric car drivers who travel by EMR Connect can make their journey using only electric energy, helping to drive down carbon emissions and making it quieter for those who live and work near the railway.

EMR Connect provides a frequent and convenient service between Corby and London St Pancras International. Services run in both directions every 30 minutes, calling at Corby, Kettering, Wellingborough, Bedford, Luton, Luton Airport Parkway, and London.

EMR Connect is operated by Class 360 electric trains, which have replaced the diesel-powered trains previously used on this route. Compared with their diesel predecessors they reduce carbon emissions by 77%.

Specialist Sheffield manufacturer to supply parts for EMR’s new Aurora trains

22nd January 2022

Loco 222104 at a standstill at a station on the East Midlands Line

4% reduction in East Midlands Railway services from next week

13th January 2022

The Class 360 fleet consists of 21 four carriage trains which can be joined together and run as 4, 8 or 12 carriage trains.

The installation of EV charging points at Wellingborough station is just the first stage in EMR’s plans to install EV charging points at other stations across its network.

Lisa Angus, Transitions and Projects Director at East Midlands Railway, said: “More than ever before, people want the option to make more sustainable choices about how they travel. This investment in charging points, combined with our EMR Connect service, will enable our customers to be able to make a journey completely powered by electricity, helping to make a positive contribution to reduce emissions and cut their carbon footprint.”