ONE of Reading’s two MPs charged up their diary with a visit to the Reading-based headquarters of an environmentally friendly firm.
Alok Sharma met Pasquale Romano, the CEO and President of ChargePoint, and learnt about the firm’s work to mitigate transport emissions around the world by developing high quality, software-led charging solutions.
Based in Arlington Business Park in Theale, the company’s engineering lab and office iis its largest European location, housing 60 engineers specialising in mechanical engineering, power electronics and software.
It is also home to what the company says is a growing sales force and network of resellers and installers, offering a boost to employment in the local area.
On his visit, Mr Sharma toured ChargePoint’s research and development facility, meeting engineers behind the company’s growth, and discussed ChargePoint’s investment and future plans in Reading West, the UK and Europe, as well as its contribution to global transport decarbonisation.
Mr Romano said he took the opportunity to note ChargePoint’s support for the UK government’s continued policies in EV infrastructure, particularly the emphasis on contactless payment on charging stations, mandating roaming and introducing an ambitious California-style Zero Emission Vehicle mandate.
These policies will help ensure that EV drivers can make the switch to EV with ease and confidence, supported by charging technology leaders like ChargePoint.
Mr Romano said: “I am delighted to have COP26 President Alok Sharma visit ChargePoint.
“We know that to support EV growth, charging services should always offer the driver a seamless and reliable experience with charging infrastructure installed ahead of demand.
“To make meaningful and genuine progress on EV charging, private sector leadership and innovation is key – along with continued government support.
“To this end, we’re excited to invest in the UK and beyond in EV charging solutions which optimise the driver experience and encourage the speedy electrification of all transportation.”
