PROGRESS is being made with the rollout of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Warwickshire.
That is according to a report which went before Warwickshire County Council that highlights the efforts being made to expand the infrastructure across the county to encourage more residents to make the switch to a more sustainable mode of transport.
The national picture, which is echoed across Warwickshire, reflects a surge in EV ownership. Between 2022 and 2023 alone, the number of EVs on UK roads increased by 47 per cent, with battery electric cars accounting for more than 16.5 per cent of all new vehicle sales in 2023. This trend highlights the growing need for accessible public EV charging facilities across the county.
WCC said it is implementing a ‘multifaceted strategy’ to address the growing demand for EV charging.
This includes prioritising areas with limited off-street parking, exploring innovative home charging solutions like lamp column charging and below-surface gully options, and resident engagement through a dedicated web page which allows residents to suggest potential locations for chargepoints. Nearly 200 responses have already been received.
The council has also adopted an EV Parking Policy which allows for the designation of on-street EV chargepoint parking spaces as ‘EV only’, ensuring fair use and preventing non-EVs from blocking charging points.
WCC’s transport spokesperson Coun Jan Matecki,said: “We are very proud of the progress we are making with the rollout of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Warwickshire. We are aware that a boom in the ownership of these vehicles is on the horizon and are dedicating considerable resource to ensuring that we are ready for it.
“The significant rise in electric vehicle ownership is a positive step towards a cleaner and greener future. This council is fully committed to supporting this transition by ensuring a robust and accessible network of EV charging points throughout the county. This will not only benefit residents who are considering switching to EVs, but ensure that, together we can build a Warwickshire that is sustainable now and for future generations.”