Local council kick-starts EV charging journey

Electric vehicles are undoubtedly the way forward. While the government has decided to delay the deadline for the sales of new petrol and diesel vehicles, it is crucial to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure in local authorities to pave the way towards achieving net zero emissions.

Recently, Public Sector Executive organised a webinar entitled ‘EV Charging for your Local Authority: The start of your EV journey’ in collaboration with Believ. The webinar aimed to provide expert insights on how local authorities can implement charging infrastructure that is inclusive and sustainable.

The panel of speakers was headed by Believ’s EV Services Director, Matt Croucher, alongside Mark Fletcher (Commercial Officer at London Councils), Ian Stotesbury (Portfolio Holder for Transport and Sustainability at Watford Borough Council), and David Bagwell (Senior Public Partnerships Manager at Believ).

The discussion kicked off with Matt Croucher asking Ian about the expectations from his team and the council’s perspective on achieving milestones in this area. Ian mentioned that the strategy in Watford Borough Council had been long-standing but was recently formalised as part of their broader transport strategy.

Ian elaborated, “Implementing on-street charging infrastructure involves significant investment and we need to ensure its longevity.” Mark chimed in with the insight that EV strategies in London need to consider the diverse local contexts within the city. He highlighted the importance of internal synergy within local authorities and effective communication across departments to overcome challenges.

David shed light on the factors that local authorities should consider when deploying EV infrastructure. He emphasised the importance of understanding user journeys and tailoring charging solutions to meet diverse user requirements and dwell times. Collaboration with the local community is key to aligning infrastructure with resident needs.

As local authorities progress in their planning and implementation of electric vehicle infrastructure, it is crucial for them to learn from experienced leaders in the field. By accessing insights from experts in the local government sector and sustainability, authorities can navigate the transition to electric vehicles more effectively.

To delve deeper into the discussions from the webinar and stay updated on Public Sector Executive’s content, you can watch the full webinar on demand. Stay tuned for more valuable insights and updates on the journey towards achieving net zero emissions.