Network Rail Southern Region has partnered with 3ti, the UK’s leading provider of solar and smart electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, to deploy a Papilio3 EV charging hub at its Basingstoke Campus. The installation is a key milestone in Network Rail’s plan to decarbonise its road fleet and reduce emissions across its operations.
Accelerating Fleet Electrification
The Basingstoke Campus is the first Network Rail facility to receive the Papilio3 unit which provides 12 fast charging points, with output rates of 7kW, 11kW, or 22kW, which will ensure Network Rail fleet vehicles based at the site and visiting for training and meetings can be fully charged on site.
Powered by an integrated solar canopy and connected to the local grid, the system delivers low-carbon energy while reducing the demand on existing electrical infrastructure.
Rapid Installation, Long-Term Impact
Constructed from a repurposed shipping container, the Papilio3 was delivered pre-assembled and installed in under 24 hours, minimising disruption to operations. Its modular design also enables future relocation or upgrades if site requirements change. The unit includes LED lighting, CCTV, and accessible layout features, making it a safe and practical addition to the Campus environment.
Supporting a Greener Railway
As part of its commitment to becoming net zero by 2050, Network Rail is electrifying its road fleet and exploring smart infrastructure to support that goal. The Basingstoke deployment exemplifies the organisation’s approach to investing in scalable, innovative technology that can be rolled out across its wider estate.
Quotes
Dan Bannister, Special Projects Manager at Network Rail, said:
“Decarbonising our road fleet is a critical part of our wider sustainability strategy, and infrastructure like Papilio3 enables us to make tangible progress at pace. What’s exciting is that we’re not just installing charge points, we’re delivering smarter, more sustainable energy solutions that can scale across our network and provide flexibility in the charging options available. This deployment in Basingstoke is a blueprint for how we can support our teams on the ground with the tools they need to operate cleaner, greener vehicles every day.”
Jamie Birch, National Sales and Development Manager 3ti, added:
“We’re proud to support Network Rail’s fleet decarbonisation journey with our Papilio3 EV charging hub. Designed for rapid deployment, the Papilio3 is installed on the existing car park surface with minimal site preparations and zero ground anchoring, offering a flexible and future-ready solution to the evolving needs of fleet operators in every sector. This project shows how forward-thinking organisations can lead by example in delivering net zero transport.”
About 3ti
3ti is the UK’s leading designer, installer and operator of smart solar EV charging infrastructure. Our mission is to accelerate the decarbonisation of transport by combining solar power, battery storage and electric vehicle charging in innovative, scalable solutions.
Papilio3 is an award-winning, patented Smart Solar EV Charging Hub. Engineered for rapid deployment and high performance, Papilio3 delivers 12 fast charging points and up to 18 MWh of on-site solar generation per year. Its flexible, grid-friendly design makes it ideal for locations where conventional infrastructure isn’t practical.
To learn more, visit www.3ti.co.uk
About Network Rail
Network Rail owns, operates and develops Britain’s railway infrastructure with 20,000 miles of track, 30,000 bridges, tunnels and viaducts, and thousands of signals, level crossings and stations. As part of its commitment to delivering a safer, greener and more efficient railway, Network Rail is investing in sustainable transport solutions, including electrification of its road fleet and decarbonisation initiatives across its estate. The organisation plays a vital role in supporting the UK’s transition to net zero by 2050
Media Contacts:
• Paul Dent-Jones, Network Rail – paul.dent-jones@networkrail.co.uk – 07809376301
