A NEW ultra-fast electric vehicle charging station is set to roll into Longbridge as part of major EV network improvements across Birmingham.
Land has also been acquired by West Midlands Combined Authority for the station on Bristol Road South in Longbridge, just yards from the redevelopment underway on the site of the former Rover West Works.
In total three ultra-fast charging stations are to be built across the city including one on Chester Road in Erdington and one on Coventry Road in Sheldon.
Outline planning permission has just been give for the first site – on Chester Road in Erdington, Birmingham.
When fully operational next year, each station will have 20 ultra-fast chargers adding 1,500 hours of charging capability every day for the region’s car and van drivers.
Users will be able to power their vehicles with 100 miles of range in less than 15 minutes.
Carefully considered designs at each site includes prominent, covered, well-lit and generously sized parking bays together with an amenity store or coffee shop.
Richard Parker, mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Delivering more ultra-fast charging stations is essential if we are to get more electric vehicles on our roads.
“These stations will give drivers and businesses 24/7 access to fast, reliable charging and the confidence to make the switch to electric vehicles.
“They will keep the West Midlands moving toward a cleaner, greener future where sustainable travel is practical, affordable, and accessible to everyone.”
The WMCA has plans to expand the network of ultra-fast charging stations over the next two years with a view to putting 90 per cent of residents and businesses within easy reach of a top-up.
Range anxiety is one of the main reasons that drivers and company bosses have been hesitant about switching to electric vehicles with calls for the nation’s charging infrastructure to be ramped up.
The WMCA’s network of ultra-fast stations has been conceived to help start addressing those concerns and support the region’s green transport revolution under the West Midlands plans to be net zero by 2041.
Funding for the multi-million-pound network is part of the region’s £1.3 billion City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) from Government and supported by private investment.
Landowners can put forward sites to be considered for development by visiting www.wmca.org.uk/what-we-do/environment-energy/electric-vehicle-ultra-rapid-charging-stations/ for more information.
