Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Infrastructure and TechnologyLatestNews

New EV charge points installed in Hinckley

Fresh EV charging points are due to be installed in two council-run car parks in Hinckley this spring, according to Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council.

The local authority will begin work to install 24 electric vehicle charging points following confirmation of grant funding from the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV). The £98,000 project cost secured £70,000 in from OLEV as part of the government’s commitment to increase the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles in readiness for the end of the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030. The remaining cost has been met from developer contributions.

By installing the facilities in areas where many nearby properties do not have their own off-street parking, the council aims to provide charging points and make electric vehicles more accessible to both residents and visitors.

Hinckley’s requirement for EV charging was identified when applying for funding due to the large areas of residential housing with no off street parking, which was a key requirement of OLEV. There is also a need for workers, shoppers and visitors to the town centre. Initial surveys to deem the suitability of rural car parks in the borough are in hand in anticipation of further funding becoming available.

The charge points will be supplied by Pod Point, whose mobile phone application identifies charging points across the country and also takes payment.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Stuart Bray said: “The introduction of electric charging points in the borough was an election promise and I am delighted to launch this new initiative, which will see 24 electric vehicle charge points introduced to two main car parks in Hinckley. This is just the first step on the council’s path towards delivering our new ‘greener’ agenda.

“We know demand will only increase for these charge points and we are looking to introduce more on council car parks across the borough where we know residents will find it difficult to charge at home, and when more funding becomes available.”

  • image from council press release

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