Devon Council and ScottishPower Power One Million Miles

Devon County Council’s network of public electric vehicle chargers has made an impressive impact, electrifying over one million miles of road travel in less than two years since installation. This significant achievement is a result of a partnership between Devon County Council and ScottishPower, aiming to address the challenges posed by Devon’s rural and dispersed landscape. With 30% of the region’s carbon emissions originating from on-road transportation, this collaborative effort has seen the installation of 130 charge points across 53 sites.

Implemented on behalf of the Devon Climate Emergency (DEC) initiative, this network rollout has been a joint venture involving ScottishPower, Devon County Council, and five other local councils. The network went live last year, following the initial installation in 2022, with the charge points being compatible with all makes of electric vehicles. These chargers can fully charge a 50 kWh battery in 2-4 hours, providing a range of up to 200 miles, depending on the vehicle’s specifications.

This initiative marks a significant step forward in Devon’s journey towards sustainable transport. The public EV charging infrastructure not only benefits local residents but also caters to tourists visiting the area. Strategically placed in public carparks, including park and ride facilities, these charge points are part of Devon’s sustainable public transport network, encouraging the adoption of greener travel habits.

According to a report from the UK Department of Transport, the average person in England travels 5,720 miles per year, with the majority of these journeys being by car*. In its first year of operation, the new network of charge points in Devon has replaced the equivalent of 174 yearly journeys with fully electric miles, contributing towards reducing carbon emissions.

Andrea Davis, cabinet member at Devon County Council for Climate Change, Environment, and Transport, emphasised the importance of the partnership with ScottishPower in promoting the adoption of electric vehicles across Devon. She highlighted the crucial role these charge points play in reducing emissions and building confidence among residents to transition to electric vehicles.

Andrew Bell, EV Public and Business at ScottishPower, commended Devon County Council’s clear vision of creating a sustainable future for the region. He stressed the significance of building a robust network of public EV charge points to encourage more people to switch to electric vehicles. ScottishPower is proud to have contributed to making Devon a greener place and looks forward to partnering with more local councils to expand this transformation.

Overall, the successful collaboration between Devon County Council and ScottishPower has not only electrified over one million miles of road travel but has also paved the way for a more sustainable future in transport for the region. As the use of electric vehicles continues to grow, initiatives like these are crucial in reducing carbon emissions and promoting a greener environment for all.