Exeter calls for views on EV charge-point proposals

Residents in Exeter have been invited to give their views on rapid charging points, according to the local authority.

The council is seeking views on 10 charging locations across the city with the public able to comment through the upper tier authority’s website, Devon County Council.

The local authority is also enabling residents to access EVs with a proposed shared electric car for public use at all but one site.

The scheme is the first phase of a project by a public and private sector consortium that includes DCC, Co Cars, ZPN Energy and Gamma Energy to install and operate 150 charge-points throughout the city in the next two years.

The project follows a successful bid from the council to Innovate UK for the cash to implement the scheme. The superfast chargers have been developed by ZPN Energy, while Gamma Energy, based at Exeter Science Park, has developed the technology to power the chargers.

They use an energy storage system and energy supply, generated by Devon-based solar farms, which charges vehicles quickly and cheaply. A typical unit will provide 75 miles of travel after 30 min of charge (25Kwh) at a cost of £7.50. It’s the latest scheme where the public and private sectors are working together to reduce carbon emissions in Devon.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Management said: “As we make the move towards electric vehicles over the next 10 years it’s essential we have the infrastructure in place. This initiative is hugely exciting and will mean residents will have much-needed access to charge points, and electric vehicles in the heart of the city’s neighbourhoods.”

Ian Stillie, Chief Executive Officer of ZPN Energy, said: “We are proud to be supporting Exeter in becoming a greener, sustainable city. Our revolutionary HUBZ EV charging units technology delivers the maximum capacity, at the highest speed for the end-user whilst significantly decreasing reliance on the grid, solving grid constraint issues. We are excited to see the difference it will deliver when deployed in Exeter and play a role in reducing carbon emissions in the city.”

Mark Hodgson from Co Cars said: “In the near future, having access to a charge point nearby will be key when it comes to buying or renting property. For those who don’t want the costs of car ownership, our Co Cars are realistic, affordable and flexible option and we’re really excited to place more of these around the city.”

Jose Contreras, Head of UK & Group Finance at Gamma Energy, said: “Exeter is already leading the charge when it comes to EV adoption but, as in the rest of the UK, many residents currently cannot charge an electric vehicle at home. Our rapid charging network removes that barrier, making electric car use a reality for everyone.”

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