A group of EV drivers from Northern Ireland have formed a new Community Interest Company to help promote electric vehicles and strengthen their lobbying efforts for an improved public charging network.
The organisation was originally formed in 2016 as NIEVO and has now completed the transition to the Electric Vehicle Association Northern Ireland (EVANI).
The not-for-profit company’s aims are two-fold. Firstly to represent the interests of electric vehicle users in Northern Ireland by being a collective voice, working with stakeholders to highlight the specific issues around ownership and use of EVs and their infrastructure.
Secondly, they will promote electric vehicle use in Northern Ireland by increasing public awareness of the advantages of owning and driving EVs and the benefits of their use to the environment and society.
EVANI Director Mark McCall said: “With EV numbers set to grow from 4,000 to 400,000 here in the next decade, we are delighted to launch our new website at www.EVANI.uk – It is packed with information for new EV drivers as well as those considering the switch.”
EVANI Director Rónán Davison-Kernan added: “Our recent survey showed that EV drivers’ number one issue here is the public charging network and improving it will continue to be one of the central pillars of our lobbying strategy.”
The group has already engaged with many stakeholders including the DfI Minister Nichola Mallon as well as the Utility Regulator, NIE Networks, ESB, charge providers and MLAs.
A membership programme will be launched in the coming weeks which will offer the public a chance to get more involved as well as take advantage of a variety of benefits and events, plus an opportunity to shape policy at the company’s AGM.
Image courtesy of the Electric Vehicle Association Northern Ireland.
