Devon County Council’s highways committee has given plans for the installation of 27 rapid chargers across Teignbridge, Exeter and East Devon, the green light.
The neighbourhoods will receive rapid EV charging points – part of the next phase of a private-sector led scheme that includes Devon County Council, Regen, Co Cars, ZPN Energy and Gamma Energy.
Funded by Innovate UK and the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles, the scheme aims to deliver a network of charge points across Exeter and the surrounding area over the next 24 months.
The rapid chargers have been developed by ZPN Energy, while Gamma Energy, based at Exeter Science Park, has developed the renewable energy technology that will power the chargers.
The units will provide 75 miles of travel after 30 min of charge (25Kwh) at a cost of £7.50 (30p per kWh).
Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highways Management, said: “We know that many are seriously considering buying an electric vehicle and access charging points will be a major factor in their decision.
“DCC has been working with a number of partners recently including Highways England and the district councils to deliver a network of charging points across the county.
“This exciting project with the public sector is a major part of that and will give residents access to charge points in the heart of their communities.”
Olly Frankland from Regen, said: “Many people across the city currently have no way of charging an electric vehicle at home. This removes that barrier and makes electric car use a reality.”
Ian Stillie, ZPN Energy, CEO, said: “With EV ownership fast becoming more widespread and progressively tough legislation to reduce emissions, we are excited to bring our sustainable, user-friendly HUBZ charging units to cities and towns across Devon, rapidly expanding the EV charging infrastructure.”
Jose Contreras, Gamma Energy, said: “We are pleased to be moving into these next phases of the project with further sites identified and approved across the city, helping to build the robust charging network that is needed. With Co Cars being part of the offering across many sites, the project will also help open up affordable access to electric vehicles and reduce vehicles on our streets as people are offered more flexible travel options.”
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