Hatfield rolls out first EV chargers in the borough
A new multi-storey car park in Hatfield town centre has become the first location for EV chargers in the borough.
The car park has four vehicle charging points which provide power for eight electric vehicles, and will become available this month when the facility opens to the public.
A further 12 vehicle charging points providing power for 24 electric vehicles will be rolled out in car parks across the borough by the end of April, the council said.
Installed by the council’s EV partner, EB Charging, the 7kW to 22kW chargers will offer a range of 24 to 80 miles based on a one hour charge.
As part of the scheme, the council will receive one tree for every charging unit that is installed, while an additional two trees will be planted for every tonne of carbon that is subsequently saved each year.
The charging points are the result of a successful funding bid to government which saw the council awarded over £100k from the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV). The council’s financial contribution to the project (£13,832) will be taken from the budget reserve earmarked to support climate change initiatives.
In June 2019, Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council declared a climate change emergency and set five strategic objectives, including the reduction of carbon emissions, across the borough by promoting energy efficiency measures, sustainable construction, renewable energy, sustainable transport and behavioural change with the aim of net zero emissions by 2030.
Cllr Stephen Boulton, Executive Member for Planning and Environment, said: “Today marks an important milestone in the move towards zero carbon emissions in the borough. However, to enable people to switch to electric vehicles, we need to provide the infrastructure to help residents make that change. We therefore hope to secure further Government funding so we can continue to expand our EV charging network in Welwyn Hatfield.”
Cllr Fiona Thomson, Executive Member for Public health, Governance and Climate Change, said: “Switching to cleaner, greener transport options is essential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Installing electric charging points will support people to make low carbon mobility choices so that we can tackle climate change and improve air quality in our borough.”
Dan O’Hara, CEO of EB Charging, said: “This month’s installation of 16 new Alfen double and twin electric charging points will make EVs even more convenient for people living and travelling in Welwyn Hatfield.
“We’re delighted to be working with the Council and Alfen on this expansion of the charging infrastructure and hope the increasing volume of on-street chargers will encourage more people to switch from diesel and petrol cars to electric vehicles. This switch to EVs is an important step in reducing our national collective carbon footprint and in improving air quality for everyone across the borough.”
- image courtesy of Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council
