Up to 500 electric vehicle (EV) charge points are to be installed across Solihull as part of a new contract to supercharge the borough’s EV charging network.
Solihull Council has awarded a contract to pan-European AC charge point operator Qwello, who will be partnering with InstaVolt to install new charging points within Council car parks and on-street destinations by 2026.
Phase one of the rollout will see over 150 charge points installed across nine locations, with the first sites anticipated to go live this summer.
Users of the Zapmap app and web map are able to view the live status and availability of InstaVolt charge points at any time thanks to a live data partnership, making planning for charging stops even easier.
“We are delighted to partner with Solihull Council and Qwello to bring InstaVolt’s award winning rapid EV chargers to the area,” said InstaVolt Chief Commercial Officer Simon Smith.
“It’s an exciting development and testament to the Council’s commitment to improve air quality and encourage more motorists to drive electric.
“The partnership also underlines InstaVolt’s ambition to expand its network and improve the ultra-rapid charging network throughout the country.”
Each charge point will feature an integrated retractable cable with an 11kW 3 Phase Type 2 plug that reduces trip hazards, can be operated with one hand, plus a 22kW AC Type 2 socket.
“Road traffic currently accounts for 41% of the borough’s overall greenhouse gas emissions, so making the switch to electric vehicles is going to be an essential part of our own efforts to tackle climate change,” said Councillor Andy Mackiewicz, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Climate Change and Planning.
“By facilitating the transition away from fossil fuelled vehicles we also have an exciting opportunity to drive improvements in air quality that will benefit the health and economy of Solihull.
“The awarding of this contract drives our ambition for Solihull to be at the forefront of electrification both regionally and nationally, and we are delighted to be working with leading suppliers Qwello and InstaVolt on this exciting scheme.”
The full list of phase-one locations includes:
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Parkfield Drive, Castle Bromwich
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North Solihull Sports Centre, Chelmsley Wood
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Tudor Grange Leisure Centre, Town Centre
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Station Road, Town Centre
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Dominion Court Car Park, Town Centre
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Oxhill Road, Solihull Lodge
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Village Car Park (behind Greswolde Arms), Knowle
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Library Car Park, Balsall Common
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Main Road, Meriden
