Cornwall’s electric vehicle (EV) charging network will be given a boost with up to 2,000 charge points to be installed from next year.
The South West of England currently has 5,831 charge points, the addition of a further 2,000 in Cornwall alone will give the area a 34% uplift in charge point devices.
Cornwall Council successfully bid for £5.5m from the Department for Transport’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund to bring charge points to more areas.
Providing lower power and cheaper, residential charging at slower speeds, charge points will initially be installed in council car parks, with on-street charging set to appear as the project progresses.
As part of this work, residents, groups and town and parish councils are being asked for their views on where EV charge points are most needed.
Cllr Dan Rogerson, Cornwall Council cabinet member for transport, said:
“With less than five years to go until the ban on new diesel and petrol engines comes into effect, we want to make sure the infrastructure is in place to meet the needs of our residents.
“This funding means we can install chargers in our rural communities where the private sector is unlikely to invest. It also means that, for the first time, we can consider on-street charging. To make the most difference however, we need to hear from communities about where to install them.”
Thinking of visiting Cornwall soon? Zapmap has partnered with South West 660 in support of their mission to encourage drivers to experience the diversity and splendour of the four counties that make up the South West of the UK in a sustainable way. Check out our guides to EV charging along two sections of the popular route and learn more about South West 660's mission.
