Following a recent tender process, Transport for Wales (TfW) has appointed SWARCO UK Ltd to commence delivery of a rapid charging network, which will be part-funded by the Welsh Government.
Electric vehicles (EV) have a key role to play in decarbonising the transport sector in Wales and their uptake needs to be supported through adequate provision of charging infrastructure. On behalf of Welsh Government, TfW will therefore work with SWARCO UK Ltd to deliver 21 electric vehicle rapid charge points across the strategic road network and facilitate long-distance electric travel throughout Wales.
“We are delighted to appoint SWARCO to develop rapid electric vehicle charge points at 12 rural locations,” said Steve Ward, Decarbonisation Programme Manager at TfW.
“We know a lack of facilities is a real barrier to people having the confidence to change to an electric car and can even influence decisions about holiday destinations.”
The installation of the chosen sites will result in a rapid charge point around every 25 miles on the Welsh Strategic Road Network. Installations will be spread across four Local Authority areas: Ceredigion, Powys, Denbighshire and Gwynedd.
In total, Wales currently has 928 charging devices mapped on Zap-Map. Of these, 130 are rapid charging devices.
“With charge points every 25 miles and simple contactless payment facilities these problems are now being tackled, at what is just the start of a longer-term ambition to see thousands of extra charge points delivered across the country in coming years,” Ward continued.
The sites will be located in Local Authority car parks in – Cardigan, Newtown, Welshpool, Crickhowell, Machynlleth, Talgarth, Corwen, Dolgellau, Porthmadog, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Bala and a public house car park in Llangurig.
“We are extremely proud to have been selected as the preferred supplier for the provision and installation of a rapid charger network for Wales,” said Justin Meyer, Managing Director of SWARCO UK.
“We look forward to seeing drivers having the confidence to explore this beautiful country in electric vehicles knowing they can charge quickly and be on their way.”