We are buzzing to share the news that we have a new team member, Ash Burton, who will be leading on all things electric vehicles as our Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Specialist. Read on to learn more about Ash’s route to DG Cities and the exciting projects she’ll be working on…

I’m thrilled to have joined the team at DG Cities to start a new chapter as their Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Specialist. My academic background in environmental geography and career in consultancy feel like the perfect match for the challenge.

My interest in how innovative technologies can support sustainable development started at Northumbria University in Newcastle. After graduating, I headed south, to London, to start my career as an Electric Vehicle Consultant, working with local councils to identify and develop databases of locations for charging points. I was also lucky to have a secondment to the Behavioural Change team at the London Borough of Waltham Forest to help facilitate their cycle hangar programme. This insight into the workings of the council will stand me in good stead - the team’s experience collaborating with local government is one of the things that sets DG Cities apart.

I have joined DG Cities at a great time - we’re starting three exciting new EV projects, involving fleet electrification, expanding electric mobility and improving charging solutions. And I have been out and about already! Last week, I was down in the South West with Kim, working on our Rural Electric Mobility Enabler (REME) project, which is funded by Innovate UK and aims to explore some of the barriers to and opportunities for growing electric mobility in rural areas. One of the specific challenges in a county like Devon is managing high demand for charging points during the busy summer months. DG Cities is working with Devon County Council, EDF Energy, Bonnet and Field Dynamics to promote and support electric mobility growth and build more confidence in accessing charging points through innovative solutions. Our mission is to understand what residents and visitors need to feel confident choosing electric vehicles - and how and where these needs could be met.

My first few weeks have been truly amazing and completely reinforced my desire to work in the sector. The team has been really welcoming too - I’m enjoying working with everyone in person, now that we have started to venture back into the office. Over the next few months, I’m looking forward to drawing on my own experience, learning and exploring new opportunities in the world of electric vehicles. I can’t wait to see what my next chapter at DG Cities brings!

If you would like to learn more about how we help clients harness the potential of technologies like EV, please get in touch at info@dgcities.com.