Sunday, November 24, 2024
Infrastructure and TechnologyLatestNews

North Northamptonshire investing in EV charging infrastructure

North Northamptonshire Council is planning to install on-street electric vehicle charging points at 21 new sites across the region, comprising approximately 80 new sockets that will be available for local EV drivers to use from early next year. 

The charging points will be installed, operated, maintained and funded by the UK’s fastest growing charge point operator, Liberty Charge, with the support of its delivery partner, Virgin Media O2. 

The 21 new sites are currently under review with residents of the borough. The goal of the programme is to increase the availability of public EV charging, and in particular to facilitate convenient public charging for those who cannot charge their EVs at home or on a private driveway. The investment is also intended to help encourage further EV adoption. 

As part of the local consultation, individual letters were sent out to residents to inform and invite discussion on locations. 

This latest tranche adds to the 82 sockets already available, maintained and funded by Liberty Charge in Northamptonshire. It furthers the council’s support of the UK Government target to ensure a transition from fossil-fuelled to electric-powered vehicles by 2030, when the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles will be banned.

North Northamptonshire’s Cllr Graham Lawman says climate goals will only be reached by installing the infrastructure to support EVs on North Northamptonshire’s residential roads: “We’re delighted to provide these additional charge points, in order to help accelerate the move to more sustainable methods of transport,” he said. “Without the infrastructure in place, it would be impossible to accommodate the growing popularity of EVs in our area and beyond. The fully-funded solution means there is zero cost to the tax-payer – of added importance in today’s financial climate.”

Neil Isaacson, Liberty Charge CEO, says the council is to be applauded on its latest initiative: “It’s fantastic to build on our partnership with North Northamptonshire Council, and we are proud to continue in our work to electrify the council area. It’s great to work with a Council that is committed to supporting their residents in moving to EVs.”

In consultation with North Northamptonshire Council and local residents it is proposed that two 22kW/h fast charging points, each with two charging sockets, will be located at the sites.

Liberty Charge is a fully funded model and a specialist in delivering charge point infrastructure at no cost to local authorities, taking ownership and responsibility for maintenance and operations of charge points without any need for any taxpayer financing.  

Local authorities are being provided with fully funded places – including meals and accommodation – at the upcoming Transport + Energy Forum. The event will bring together key stakeholder groups to discuss the actions that need to be taken to reach net zero.

Councils interested in registering for the event and taking advantage of one of the places available can do so here: https://transportandenergy.com/te-forum-event-public-sector-registration/

Image courtesy of North Northamptonshire Council / Liberty Charge.

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