A council project to improve Cornwall’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure and boost access for residents, has exceeded its original 150 charge point target with 184 now operational.
The 184 charge points are contained in 92 charging units across 35 council car parks, with further sites to go live this month.
The Drive EV2 Project aimed to extend Cornwall’s charging network into more rural areas and locations with limited charging coverage.
It brings the total number of charging units across Cornwall to more than 500.
The project has been funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and Cornwall Council’s Carbon Neutral Fund.
Richard Pears, Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for transport, said: “This project is about bolstering the existing network by installing units in areas with limited coverage – rural areas where the private sector is unlikely to install their own chargers.
“As the 2030 ban on the sale of new diesel and petrol cars draws nearer, it’s important we play our role in improving infrastructure to help residents make the switch to electric vehicles and help cut carbon emissions.”
Martyn Alvey, Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for environment and climate change said: “Road transport accounts for around a quarter of Cornwall’s carbon emissions – we’re determined to play our part in helping to keep global warming below the 1.5 degrees threshold.
“The number of electric vehicles on our roads is steadily increasing and the infrastructure must keep pace. With this extended network Cornwall is now in the top 20% of local authorities for total number of charging units.”
The charge points have been installed and will be operated and maintained by SWARCO Smart Charging.
A map of all charge points available in Cornwall can be found www.zap-map.com