Powering Up Richmond & Wandsworth: char.gy’s Latest EV Charging Expansion

char.gy has entered Phase 2 of its EV charging network transition in Richmond and Wandsworth, taking over existing charge points to deliver smoother, more reliable, and sustainable charging. From backend integration to updated branding, find out how we're enhancing the EV experience—step by step.

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At char.gy, we’re committed to providing reliable, accessible, and sustainable EV charging solutions. As part of this mission, we have recently taken over charge points in the Richmond and Wandsworth area from another charge point operator. This transition is happening in phases, ensuring a smooth changeover with minimal disruption to EV drivers.

This partnership illustrates a valuable new avenue for councils nearing end of contract: migrating their existing infrastructure instead of renewing or replacing it. It’s a sustainable option and ensures service continuity and enhances service quality through competitive network operation. This way, CPOs can’t get complacent…

Want to Know How We Take Over Charge Points?

No? Well, we’re going to tell you anyway.

Taking over existing EV charge points is a complex process, nevertheless a necessary one to enhance service quality, uptime, and user experience. As you can imagine, our Field Service engineers have been very busy. But to their surprise/dismay, we tracked them down to break down exactly what goes into this complex transition. Here’s how the magic happens, step by step.

Step 1: Initial Assessment & Site Survey

Before making any changes, our team conducts a thorough site assessment. This includes:

  • Inspecting existing charge point infrastructure

  • Evaluating hardware and software compatibility

  • Identifying any maintenance or repair requirements

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Step 2: Network Transition & Software Integration

Once the assessment is complete, we begin migrating the charge points onto char.gy’s network. This involves:

  • Configuring the charge points to integrate with our backend system

  • Testing connectivity and ensuring real-time monitoring capabilities

  • Upgrading firmware where necessary to improve functionality

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Step 3: Hardware Upgrades & Maintenance

In some cases, hardware updates are needed to optimise performance. Our engineers:

  • The CPO will provide info on the maintenance dates so we can effectively plan our planned workload routine to ensure we have reliable CPs

  • Test charging speeds and efficiency

  • Ensure compliance with industry regulations and safety standards

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Step 4: Branding & Customer Communication

To make the transition clear for users, we update branding and provide essential information, including:

  • New char.gy signage and updated instructions at the charge points

  • Notifications via our app, website, and local council announcements

  • Direct customer support to answer queries and assist with the switch

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Step 5: Ongoing Monitoring & User Feedback

Once the charge points are live under char.gy, we continue monitoring performance and collecting feedback to ensure:

  • High uptime and reliability

  • Seamless payment processing

  • A smooth experience for all EV drivers in the area

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Why This Upgrade Matters for EV Drivers

By transitioning these charge points to char.gy, drivers in Richmond and Wandsworth will benefit from:

  1. Reliable Charging – Improved uptime and enhanced support

  2. Seamless App Integration – Easy access via the char.gy app

  3. Sustainable Energy – Where possible, our charge points are powered by renewable energy

  4. Local Authority Collaboration – Working with councils to expand and improve public charging

Stay Updated on the Transition

We are in Phase 2 of the takeover, and work has been ongoing over the past few weeks. We’ll continue to share updates and photos of our progress. If you’re an EV driver in the Richmond or Wandsworth area and have any questions, feel free to reach out to our customer support team.

Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram for real-time updates and insights into our expansion efforts!