EVs at Birmingham Commonwealth Games

Electric vehicles – including some hydrogen powered ones – will be used during the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in the United Kingdom from July 28 to August 8.

The National Grid is the official EV charging partner for the Commonwealth Games which will see about 4500 athletes from 72 nations and territories compete in 19 sports in the biggest sporting event held in the West Midlands.

National Grid will lend the Games 125 EV chargers, each able to charge two cars simultaneously, to provide 250 private charging bays for Birmingham 2022.

These will be used by Games vehicles transporting VIPs, Games officials and key guests from across the Commonwealth to all venues.

Following Birmingham 2022, all the EV chargers will be redeployed to various National Grid operational sites across the country.

National Grid fleet manager Lorna McAtear says it’s a great opportunity to demonstrate the role EVs will play in achieving a cleaner energy future.

The EVs will also be able to use 52 of the 98 22kW chargers at Hammerson’s “Bullring and Grand Central”, especially at The Centre (Moor Street) and Edgbaston Street car parks.

“We’re thrilled to be strengthening our partnership with Birmingham 2022, ensuring that their electric vehicles will be charged throughout the Games,” says Hammerson asset management director Toby Tait.

Birmingham 2022 transport director Michael Rawlings adds: “Our ambition is to be the most sustainable Commonwealth Games yet and the electric vehicle chargers provided by Hammerson will play a big role in this.”

The Birmingham Commonwealth Games aims to be the first of its kind to leave a carbon neutral legacy.

Spectators are encouraged to use public transport to access about 15 venues – most of them existing venues which are being reused along with accommodation – as spectator transport contributes more than 55% of the Games’ forecasted carbon footprint, organisers say.

The Commonwealth Games is also taking a “grid power first” approach to reduce reliance on additional generators, which will use hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) instead of diesel as fuel, and will also incorporate solar arrays at Victoria Park.

Battery storage will also be used, and if temporary power is needed organisers say their supplier Aggreko can help with green technology.

Birmingham 2022 says it will ensure all vehicles used for the Commonwealth Games meet at least Euro 5 and 6 standards and comply with the Birmingham Clean Air Zone.

it has partnered with Severn Trent to plant about 818 hectares of Commonwealth Forest in the Midlands and it will also buy carbon credits if necessary.