Swarco UK expands EV charging infrastructure in Solihull

Solihull Council, a town in the West Midlands, England, has partnered with Swarco Smart Charging to help expand the borough’s EV charging network. Swarco has recently installed 23 charge points and switched to provide EV charging at 56 public parking bays across Solihull.

Solihull Council said the locations were carefully selected based on existing demand and expected future demand for EVs. The Council also considered residents who do not have access to a private driveway, following engagement with residents to assess demand for EV charging points.

According to today’s communications, the charging points have been installed in Shirley, Knowle, Olton, Silhill, Blythe, Lyndon, Elmdon, Dorridge and Smiths Wood. In addition, three dual-socket chargers have been installed at the Council House, which the public may use on evenings and weekends. The recent project also included another nine dual-socket chargers being switched back on in the north of the borough.

Prices have been set at £0.25p per kilowatt for the first year.

Councillor Andy Mackiewicz, Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, Planning & Housing, commented: “We know that 39% of carbon emissions in the borough are from transport with road transport accounting for nearly all of this,” making a switch to EVs necessary, also as Solihull aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2041 through its emerging Net Zero Action Plan. It includes the Council’s Electric Vehicle Strategy, through which the authority says it has been investing significantly in its charging infrastructure to get ahead of the transition.

The Council also pointed out, the number of ULEVs licensed in Solihull was already rising each quarter, according to data from the Department of Transport. For example, in Q1 2021, there were 8,688 ULEVs licensed compared to 3,409 in the first quarter of last year.

Justin Meyer, Managing Director of Swarco UK, said that access to public charging was key to supporting EV uptake. “We are pleased to work with councils like Solihull who are committed to delivering reliable, convenient and affordable charging,” he added.

Apart from Solihull, Swarco most recently closed deals with the Cardiff Capital Region in Wales to install cab charging infrastructure. There is also a contract with rest stop operator MFG for Swarco to supply ultra-rapid charging stations at sites lining the national motorways.

Swarco Smart Charging was formerly known as eVolt.

Information via email