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Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Infrastructure

Background

This is the initial phase of chargepoints in the County and represents the first step towards addressing the Council’s Climate Change Strategy action: ‘Ensure vehicle charging points are available at key areas across the county – rural and urban.’

The Council also recognises that by introducing publicly accessible chargepoints, it is taking its own steps towards net zero, whilst also aiding residents and visitors in working towards this.

One of the main reasons preventing a wider scale uptake of electric vehicles is that of chargepoint availability. This rollout seeks to address this. It is vital that the transition to electric vehicles begins in earnest sooner rather than later to reflect UK Government’s intent to end the sale of new petrol and diesel petrol and diesel vehicles from 2030 onwards.

Chargepoint Network

The installation of chargepoints has been awarded to SWARCO, who will also act as the Charge Point Operator (CPO). Instructions to use the chargepoints are detailed both on the chargepoint and the associated electronic app as well as a 24/7 helpline for any queries. The Council’s chargepoints will be integrated into SWARCO’s E.Connect charging network which has a widespread presence across the UK.

This rollout of charging infrastructure has been made possible through grant funding provided by the Office for Zero Emissions Vehicles (OZEV). This specific grant is the On-street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS) which makes funding available for chargepoints to be located in areas for residents who do not have access to their own private off-road parking.

In total fifteen charging points have been located at eight Council car parks. All chargepoints are ‘dual-headed’, meaning that 30 vehicles can be charged simultaneously across the network. The chargepoints can be found at the following car parks: