THOUSANDS more electric vehicle (EV) charging points are needed in Warwickshire to meet increasing demand.
New estimates suggest Coventry and Warwickshire will see a six-fold increase in electric vehicles (EVs) by the end of 2030, from 11,500 EVs to 83,500.
The forecasts show Warwickshire requires a further 4,500 public charging points over the next decade to support the increase – with only 400 currently in the county.
Coventry is already on track for an EV boom, with over 2,000 chargers due to be in place by the end of April.
The figures were announced at Midlands Connect’s EV Conference, which brought together senior leaders and policymakers to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the EV industry.
Coun Jan Matecki, Warwickshire County Council’s transport spokesman, said: “In Warwickshire, we’re working hard to identify suitable sites for public charge points throughout the county.
“Through collaboration with our partners in the district and borough councils, and engagement directly with residents, we will deliver more charging infrastructure that will work for current and future drivers of electric vehicles. We want to encourage the switch to more sustainable forms of transport.”
Commenting on the research, Midlands Connect’s CEO Maria Machancoses said: “It’s clear Coventry and Warwickshire is still on the brink of a boom in EVs.
“Local Authorities across the Midlands are doing a great job to roll out charging points, but they cannot do this alone. We’re already working with Local Authorities to support their work and help secure EV infrastructure funding from Government.
“We want to make the Midlands the home of the green industrial revolution.”
Coventry City Council’s climate change spokesman Coun Jim O’Boyle said: “We have made great strides in delivering the largest network of public EV charge points in the UK outside London, but we are working to do more to meet future demand.
“We will also continue to work with partners such as Midlands Connect to make sure we continue to lead in this area.”
Warwickshire County Council is encouraging residents to suggest locations for EV charging points. Visit https://tinyurl.com/3nwrmu86 or call 01926 410 410 to suggest a location.
