Cornwall improves electric charging network
Cornwall Council has gone above and beyond in their efforts to enhance the electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the region. What initially began as a project with a target of 150 charge points has now blossomed into a remarkable achievement of 184 charge points housed within 92 charging units spread across 35 council car parks. And the good news doesn’t stop there – additional sites are scheduled to go live this month, further expanding the accessibility of electric vehicle charging stations.
The Drive EV2 Project, spearheaded by Cornwall Council, was specifically designed to extend the charging network into rural areas and locations that have been lacking in adequate charging coverage. Thanks to this initiative, the total number of charging units in Cornwall now exceeds 500, marking a significant milestone in the region’s commitment to sustainable transportation.
Funding for this ambitious project has been provided by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and Cornwall Council’s Carbon Neutral Fund. Richard Pears, Cornwall Council’s cabinet portfolio holder for transport, expressed the importance of this initiative, stating, “This project aims to supplement the existing network by installing units in areas with limited coverage – especially in rural areas where private sector investment in chargers is unlikely. With the 2030 ban on the sale of new diesel and petrol cars on the horizon, it is crucial that we enhance our infrastructure to facilitate a seamless transition to electric vehicles and reduce carbon emissions.”
Martyn Alvey, Cornwall Council’s cabinet portfolio holder for environment and climate change, emphasised the significance of addressing carbon emissions from road transport, which accounts for approximately a quarter of Cornwall’s total emissions. Alvey stressed, “We are committed to our role in mitigating global warming and working towards keeping the temperature increase below the critical 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold. With the growing number of electric vehicles on our roads, it is imperative that the infrastructure evolves accordingly. By expanding the charging network, Cornwall now ranks in the top 20% of local authorities in terms of total charging units, solidifying our position as a leader in sustainable transportation.”
The responsibility of installing, operating, and maintaining these charge points has been entrusted to SWARCO Smart Charging, ensuring that the charging infrastructure remains reliable and efficient for all electric vehicle users. This partnership signifies a collaborative effort towards achieving a greener and more sustainable future for Cornwall.
As we witness the transformation of Cornwall’s electric vehicle charging landscape, it is evident that the region is making significant strides towards embracing clean energy solutions and reducing its carbon footprint. With each new charge point that is installed, Cornwall is paving the way for a more environmentally-friendly and sustainable mode of transportation for both residents and visitors alike.
