Plymouth City Council has outlined its electric vehicle charging infrastructure strategy in order to set up an affordable, reliable and accessible network across the city.
The strategy assesses the forecast increase in EV charging demand, as purchase costs fall, how average driving ranges will rise, and the ways in which manufacturers respond to the Government’s Zero Emission Mandate, which requires all new vehicles to be zero-emission by 2035.
It also examines best practice and emergent technologies, as well as funding opportunities, with the main aims of delivering a high-quality network of public EV chargepoints; promoting the benefits of electric vehicles to residents and businesses; debunking common misconceptions; working with the industry to standardise chargers; ensuring a range of payment options; and supporting the electrification of public transport.
According to the local authority, the number of EV chargepoints will increase from around 250 at present to more than 500 during 2024 and, as part of the strategy, the council plans to provide up to 1,800 EV chargepoints on public land by 2034.
Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport said: “The transition from petrol and diesel-powered vehicles to electric vehicles will reduce traffic-related air pollution and play a vital part in the city’s journey towards achieving its net zero goals.
“We are determined to ensure that the availability of chargepoints is not a barrier to EV uptake and that public chargepoints are accessible, reliable and affordable.
“A key priority will be to explore all funding opportunities to ensure that households without access to off-street parking are not disadvantaged.”
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