Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Infrastructure and TechnologyLatestNewsUncategorized

Watford set for new charging facilities

Seven new 7kW rapid chargers are due to be installed across the Watford area in the coming weeks, the borough council has announced.

The move, which will see each site provide charging for two vehicles, has been signed off following funding by the Office for Low Emission Vehicles and charging firm Electric Blue, who have worked in partnership with Watford Borough Council on the scheme.

Construction firm Ringway are due to install the 15 lamp column chargers with positions chosen by the council for convenience to residents. It will cost 32p per kilowatt-hour to charge vehicles through the Electric Blue app. Residents will be able to charge for four hours or take a full charge if leaving their vehicle overnight at one of the points.

The council has previously installed five on-street charging points in the past year, as part of its commitment to reduce the local authority’s carbon footprint and becoming net-zero carbon by 2030 – part of its wider sustainability strategy.

Speaking about the news, mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “As the up-take of electric vehicles increases, we need to ensure that we have in place a strategy that reflects the increase in demand and explore the options for public charging points across Watford. 

“There are now more than 9,000 public electric car charging locations in the UK and given our commitment to halting the Climate Emergency and making our air cleaner we must also play our part. 

“If you have ever thought about buying an electric vehicle, but are concerned about the upfront costs, I would encourage you to find out more about the grants available to help with taking up this more sustainable mode of transport.”

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