MORE drivers will be able to power up their electric cars around Solihull as plans for new charging points have been announced.
In this latest wave nine electric vehicle (EV) charging points will be installed Shirley, Knowle, Olton, Silhill, Blythe, Lyndon, Elmdon, Dorridge and Smiths Wood as part of the council’s Solihull’s Electric Vehicle Strategy.
Funding for these has been provided by Central Government through the Office of Zero Emission Vehicles and the Council’s own funds in a bid to improve charging infrastructure across the borough.
This coincides with an additional £200,000 being sought at the cabinet meeting on March 11 for the implementation of the EV Strategy.
Solihull Council says the locations of the EV charging points have been carefully considered based on whether there is a demand or expected future demand for electric vehicles in that area, or simply if residents don’t have access to their own off-street parking.
The Council said will continue to engage with residents to understand where there is appetite to improve the local charging infrastructure as it plans its next round of installations.
As well as the new installations, nine charge points installed in the north of the Borough under a previous EV car club project are being switched back on, providing even more options for residents who are looking to go electric.
Councillor Ken Hawkins, cabinet portfolio holder for environment and highways said: “I’m delighted to see the roll out of the EV charging infrastructure and the opportunities that it will provide to residents who don’t have access to a private driveway.
“With electric vehicles set to become the ‘norm’ in the not too distant future it’s so important as a council that we provide opportunities to residents in a variety of accommodation types to be able to charge their electric vehicle locally and efficiently.”
Coun Andy Mackiewicz, cabinet portfolio holder for climate change, planning and housing said: “The installation of EV charging points across the borough is a vital part of our Electric Vehicle Strategy and the desire to achieve net zero emissions in Solihull by 2041.
“Transport emissions make up approximately 39 per cent of the borough’s carbon emissions. Installing these EV charging points is a great start in our commitment to reduce this figure.”
