Birmingham Boosts EV Charging Network with ubitricity
Greetings, Net Zero News Community,
In an exciting development for electric vehicle (EV) users and environmental advocates alike, Birmingham City Council has unveiled an ambitious project aimed at significantly expanding the city’s EV charging network. This initiative is set to transform Birmingham into a greener urban centre, and it’s all thanks to a partnership with ubitricity, a leading charge point operator.
The collaboration will kick off with a pilot deployment of 560 lamppost EV charge points strategically placed across residential areas. This is particularly crucial for residents who lack access to private off-street parking—a common challenge in urban environments. By utilising existing street infrastructure, this project not only enhances accessibility but also reduces the need for additional space, which is vital in densely populated regions.
Recent studies reveal that a significant number of electric vehicles are parked at homes that do not feature private driveways. This data has driven Birmingham’s broader Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy, designed to improve access to essential charging infrastructure across the city. By focusing on residential areas, the council aims to make EV ownership a more practical option for all residents, thereby encouraging more people to make the switch to electric vehicles.
Under this innovative scheme, ubitricity will take charge of supplying, installing, owning, operating, and maintaining the new charge points on behalf of Birmingham City Council. The charge points will be seamlessly integrated into lampposts on 82 designated streets throughout the city. One of the most impressive aspects of this initiative is that each charge point can be installed in under an hour, ensuring minimal disruption to daily life and addressing the council’s key requirement to avoid street clutter.
The funding for this initiative comes from the Office of Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) through the On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS). Excitingly, the first 300 charge points are already operational, with plans for the remaining 260 to be installed by the end of Spring 2025. This rapid deployment underscores the commitment of both Birmingham City Council and ubitricity to creating a comprehensive charging network.
Councillor Majid Mahmood, the Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport at Birmingham City Council, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating: “While our focus as a council is on delivering the Birmingham Transport Plan and encouraging people to swap private vehicles for public transport, we also want to ensure that, for those who require use of a car, we have the infrastructure in place to facilitate use of low or zero-emission vehicles.”
This statement highlights a balanced approach to urban transport, recognising the importance of both public transport and private vehicle use in a modern city. The council’s proactive stance reflects a growing understanding that, as more individuals transition to electric vehicles, robust charging infrastructure is essential to support this shift.
Stuart Wilson, the UK Managing Director of ubitricity, shared his excitement about the collaboration: “ubitricity is delighted to be supporting Birmingham City Council as they begin this journey to create one of the largest public EV charging networks outside London, encouraging the transition to electric vehicles, and helping to create a cleaner and healthier environment for the people of Birmingham.”
As Birmingham embarks on this pivotal journey towards a more sustainable future, the implications of this project extend far beyond simply providing more charging points. This initiative is a crucial step in the broader movement towards achieving net-zero emissions, combating climate change, and fostering a healthier environment for all residents.
In conclusion, Birmingham’s partnership with ubitricity marks a significant milestone in the city’s commitment to sustainability. By expanding the EV charging network and addressing the challenges faced by residents without private parking, Birmingham is setting a precedent for other cities to follow. As we continue to advocate for a net-zero future, initiatives like this one remind us of the power of collaboration and innovation in driving meaningful change.
Stay tuned for more updates on this project and other exciting developments in the realm of sustainable transportation. Together, we can drive towards a cleaner, greener future!
