AN EXTRA 500 electric vehicle (EV) charging points are set to be installed across the borough.
Solihull Council made the announcement as part of World EV Day when the authority celebrated the upgrade and expansion of the borough’s charging infrastructure, delivered in partnership with operator Qwello.
Since the launch of the Council’s EV destination charging programme last year, Qwello has upgraded existing Council owned EV chargers and expanded provision at several key locations.
Accessible new charge points are currently being installed in Knowle, Castle Bromwich, Lyndon and within Solihull town centre.
And now it is set to install 500 charging points across Solihull over the next two years.
This expansion supports the Council’s updated Electric Vehicle Strategy, which sets out a roadmap for increasing accessibility to EV infrastructure, encouraging wider adoption of electric vehicles, and reducing carbon emissions in line with Solihull’s climate and air quality goals.
Councillor Andy Mackiewicz, cabinet member for Climate Change and Planning, said: “On World EV Day, we’re proud to reflect on the progress we’ve made in transforming Solihull’s EV infrastructure. With Qwello’s support, we’ve not only upgraded our existing network but are actively expanding it to ensure every community has access to reliable and convenient charging options.
“Electric vehicles are central to our climate strategy. By making it easier for residents to make the switch, we’re improving air quality, reducing emissions, and helping Solihull lead the way in sustainable transport.
“We also want drivers passing through the borough to feel confident stopping to charge their EVs and to take time to enjoy all that Solihull has to offer. Our strategic location means that by expanding our infrastructure here, we’re also helping to reduce air pollution along the busy M42 and beyond.”
Qwello UK’s managing director, Martin Hale, added: “We’re delighted to be working with Solihull Council to deliver a modern, user-friendly charging network that meets the needs of today’s EV drivers. Our chargers are designed for accessibility and ease of use, and we’re excited to continue rolling out new sites across the borough.”
The roll-out of new charging points is supported by a £800,000 grant from the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) pilot project, awarded by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) and Department for Transport (DfT).
Residents or businesses who would like to suggest a potential location for future public EV charging installation, should contact Solihull Council at [email protected].
