Stock image by Mikes-Fotografie from Pixabay
Somerset West and Taunton Council have signed an agreement with electric vehicle charging station Swarco eVolt to expand the number of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations planned for their parking spaces.
A number of 22 kW fast charging stations for electric vehicles will be installed in Minehead, Porlock, Taunton, Watchet, Wellington, Williton and Wiveliscombe, Somerset in the coming months.
The project complements the ongoing work to install charging stations at Deane House and Blackbrook Sports Center in Taunton, Exmoor House in Dulverton and Alexandra Road in Minehead.
Both projects are part of the Council’s Action Plan for CO2 Neutrality and Climate Resilience (CNCR) to significantly reduce CO2 emissions by introducing a charging infrastructure for electric vehicles for the district. The rollout is also supported by a nationally approved EV charging strategy, which provides a blueprint for delivering the charging network needed for Somerset.
SWT will apply for up to 75% of the capital costs via a grant application to the Office for Emission Free Vehicles (OZEV).
Executive Member for Climate Change, Cllr Dixie Darch, said, “We are excited to be working with SWARCO eVolt to add more EV charging points to our parking lots and we hope this will build consumer confidence to switch to EV as a more sustainable way To travel.
“These additional charging points will help EV drivers make longer, cleaner journeys and reduce the fear of a possible power outage.”
Justin Meyer, Managing Director of Swarco eVolt, is pleased that his company’s expertise is contributing to the initiative: “With its CNCR action plan, SWT is developing a robust charging infrastructure in the region and helping drivers switch to electric vehicles.
“This project is another example of working with local authorities who are driving our commitment to a zero-emissions future.”
You can easily find charging stations on the SWARCO E.Connect website. The “charge status” of the users’ cars can also be monitored remotely and payment can be made using the pay-as-you-go system via accredited payment service providers.
Further locations for charging points are to be announced this year.
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