Electric Car Charge Points Central To Future Neighbourhoods

New research indicates that home charging points for electric cars will be one of the most desirable features of neighbourhoods in 20 years’ time.

The study, conducted by electric car campaign Go Ultra Low, suggests that technologies such as electric car charging points, ‘positivity’ lamp posts which beam colourful lighting during winter to combat SAD (seasonal affective disorder) and fingerprint-activated door locks could be some of the most sought-after features for house buyers.  The top ten features were as follows:

1.        ‘Positivity’ smart lamp posts using colourful hues to combat Seasonal Affective Disorder (52%)

2.        Electric car charging points on every house (49%)

3.        Locks on front doors which can be opened by fingerprint (37%)

4.        Water recycling capabilities (37%)

5.        Rainwater harvesting technology (34%)

6.        Outdoor solar powered charging stations (28%)

7.        Electric car sharing schemes (24%)

8.        Trees emitting Wi-Fi (22%)

9.        Fox-proof bins (20%)

10.    Robotic gardeners (11%)

The results also showed that most people think electric cars will become an essential part of housing developments across the country – 72% said they expected them to be the most common type of vehicle on residents’ driveways.  And according to 26%, hydrogen cars will also be a more familiar fixture in the future.   

Those surveyed also predicted that technology would make them more willing to share a car with their neighbours over the next 20 years – 48% expected to be sharing electric cars with other people who live on their streets, with more than 10% agreeing that this could lead to stronger relationships between neighbours.

Electric charging points at home aren’t just a trend for the future, however.  Government statistics show there are already over 60,000 home chargers in the UK as motorists take advantage of a £500 government grant towards installing one.  Meanwhile, data from charging providers shows that around 90% of electric car charging takes place home.

“Green technology that enhances our lives will fuel neighbourhoods of the future,” Maxwell Hutchison, an architect and former President of the Royal Institute of British Architects, said.  “While ‘positivity’ lamp posts and robotic gardeners may be a way off, electric car charge points, electric car schemes and rainwater harvesting technology are all starting to be implemented by new cutting-edge housing developments.  The UK already has its first ‘eco town’ being developed in Oxfordshire, and there are others on the horizon, with features such as electric car sharing schemes and electric car charging points for every house.

source:- http://www.mercedes-benzofedinburgh.co.uk/en/desktop/passenger-cars/about-us/news/electric-car-charge-points-will-be-central-to-future-neighbourho.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Electric%20car%20charge%20points&utm_campaign=enewsletter%20Jan%2017