Scottish solutions firm launches innovative new EV charging point

A NEW electric car charge point which could revolutionise the house building industry has been launched by a Scottish solutions firm.

Developed by a team of industry experts, the BriXcell is a simple, compact EV solution which is designed to save time and money for developers.

Eco Group, which is based in Annan, Dumfries and Galloway, has exclusive UK distribution of the BriXcell, which forms part of its EcoGoZero range of products aimed at helping business, homeowners and the UK achieve net zero targets.

The BriXcell can be easily installed during the construction phase of any new build, with the entire EV charging point infrastructure contained within a brick-sized construction pack.

Eddie Black, Managing Director of Eco, said the BriXcell had the potential to play a key role in the electric car charging industry.

He said: “The BriXcell is an excellent example of what can be achieved when a great concept, design and technology comes together to create a simple yet innovative solution.

“We believe it can make a big difference in the move towards a more sustainable future, and we are excited to be collaborating with the BriXcell team to bring it to market.

“Our EcoGoZero range of products and services aims to help businesses cut carbon emissions and help Scotland deliver its net zero target by 2045.”

Eco Group has a proven track record of creating and delivering solutions for businesses across the UK and operates in a range of sectors to deliver multiple products and services for commercial, industrial, public sector and residential customers.

Its EcoGoZero portfolio of products focus on decarbonised travel, decentralised energy and infrastructure innovation, with the BriXcell leading its Eco V range of electric vehicle solutions.

With the UK Government due to make it a requirement to introduce mandatory charge points in new homes and commercial buildings in England, the BriXcell construction pack can be built into an external wall during the construction process, with the internal cabling contained within the infrastructure of the property.

The electrical connection system is wired at the first fix stage, with a decorative cover fitted. The decorative cover is swapped for a charge point when it’s needed by the new homeowner, ensuring the warranty begins at the point of requirement.

The arrival of the BriXcell on the market has been welcomed by Neil Swanson, director of the Electric Vehicle Association Scotland, who said: “One in three cars in Scotland are predicted to be EVs by 2025 and the majority will be charged at home.

“Having a dedicated EV charger fitted to every new build house is the way to go and to have a ready-made solution like this is an attractive development that will stimulate even further the benefits of going all-electric.”

The technology and design behind the BriXcell is patented and the product is manufactured in the UK.

Tim Gardner, who is part of the four-strong team behind the BriXcell, said: “We see this product as a game changer for the new-build industry.

“Traditionally these types of products have been surface mounted but we challenged ourselves to restrict it to the size and shape of a standard brick so it can form part of the construction process.

“The BriXcell has been through a rigorous testing process and the feedback we have received so far from the industry has been extremely positive.

“The main advantage of the BriXcell to a house builder or developer is that they don’t need to change any of their existing processes to install it, which saves money and time. It really is as simple as laying a brick.

“And when the homeowner moves into the property, the charge point is ready for them to use.

“We’ve been told that it’s so simple yet so cleverly designed that it could be ground-breaking for the industry.”

Tim brings more than 30 years of experience in the new-build industry to the BriXcell team, which also includes Jonathan McFarlane, who is Managing Director of plastic injection moulding company Plastic Engineering Solutions; Nick Glover who is Managing Director of electronics firm Cursey Technology; and James Glover who is a director of Viridian EV which specialises in electric car charging products. They are all based around Cirencester in Gloucestershire.

The team’s in-depth understanding of their specialist sectors influenced the design features of the BriXcell which include 32 amp (7Kw) fast charging; flame retardant polymers (UL94-VO) which meet Glow Wire test 960; either type 1 or type 2 plug holder for the charge cable when not in use; and IP54 water and dust resistance.

It also features an LED halo for charger status; luminosity for night time charging; security features; and a cable tidy.

Plans requiring new homes in England to have an electric car charging point were announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson in November.

Under the plans, new-build homes will need at least one charging point per dwelling with associated parking. The new regulations would also apply to new-build supermarkets, workplaces and buildings undergoing major renovations.

The measures aim to support the growing uptake of electric vehicles, with new petrol and diesel car sales banned from 2030.

Around 10 per cent of cars sold in 2020 were electric, up from 2.5 per cent in 2018.