Ambitious Target Set for Number of EV Charging Points |
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Hounslow Council aims to install 2,000 more by 2026
A target for the installation of 2,000 more electric vehicle (EV) charging points within four years has been set by Hounslow Council. The plan, which was announced at the borough Cabinet Meeting on Tuesday 15 November, is part of a broader strategy intended to accommodate rapidly rising demand for electric vehicles. The move follows a public consultation on the draft EV strategy between 22 July and 11 September of this year. The consultation used both virtual and in-person methods of engagement and 181 responses were received with 35 per from current EV owners and 44 per cent from those planning to get one by 2025. A key objective of the strategy is to prioritise locations and infrastructure that will enable high-mileage drivers such as private hire, taxi and fleet drivers to make the transition to EVs. A further aim is to locate a plentiful level of chargers in areas with limited off-street parking and for five per cent of car parking spaces in current council housing estates to be equipped with a charging point by late 2023. An updated version of the strategy will be produced in 2025 when the council will have an improved understanding of consumer behaviour for charging their vehicles, based on usage data and the number of EVs registered in the borough. Councillor Katherine Dunne, Hounslow Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate, Environment and Transport Strategy, said, “I’d like to thank people across the borough who gave us their views in the consultation on how the Council can develop the right electric vehicle charging infrastructure to meet local needs. “With this data, the council can now start planning for the next generation of EV charging that will maximise the uptake of zero emission vehicles. This will allow residents in all types of homes and locations to play their part in committing to a vital part of our work to decarbonise our borough. We will work to make sure the charging locations are in the right places for you to use.” The next steps will be for site assessment work to begin on the proposed locations for the first series of chargers. A tender process will also then begin for suppliers to be found to provide the chargers and related infrastructure. Public consultation on specific charger locations is due to open in Spring 2023.
November 18, 2022
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