More than 130 new electric vehicle charging points (EVCPs) have been secured for local people across the borough as part of Ealing Council’s ambitious programme to combat the climate crisis, improve air quality and boost sustainable transport for residents.
It means that there are now more than 300 EVCPs currently in use across the borough, giving local drivers easy access to cost-effective and environmentally-friendly ways of getting around.
Since May, 130 EVCPs have been rolled out, with another 170 on their way early in 2023. They are a combination of fast chargers and lamp column sockets, designed to be used quickly and easily by electric vehicle drivers.
Earlier this month (4 November), Councillor Peter Mason, leader of Ealing Council and Councillor Deirdre Costigan, cabinet member for climate action, visited one of the new fast charger sockets in Ealing to celebrate a new partnership with the specialist provider Liberty Charge, which is supporting the council to roll out EVCPs across local streets.
Councillor Mason said: “It was great to meet with Liberty Charge, celebrate our new partnership and get a first-hand look at one of our new charger sockets. This is just the beginning, we are committed to working together to boost the number of EVCP across the borough as we strive to achieve net zero in carbon emissions for the borough by 2030.
“We want to rapidly expand the number of accessible EVCPs for those without a driveway or home charging option. It is vital that local people are given a say in where these chargers are being installed which is why have a further 216 EV charging sockets due for consultation in early 2023.”
Councillor Costigan said: “Switching to an electric vehicle could be great for your bank balance as well as the planet. Running costs are far lower than traditional cars, and electric vehicles are exempt from the congestion charge and ultra-low emission zone schemes.
“Our rapidly expanding network of EVCPs means all residents will be withing 10 minutes’ walk from a charging point.
“More electric cars on local roads in place of petrol and diesel vehicles also mean lower emissions and cleaner air.
“To support these aims, we are also rolling out a huge, £10million programme to support local people to choose active travel such as walking, cycling and scooting over shorter journeys by car.
“This includes everything from new cycle routes and bike storage, to improved surfaces for roads and paths, to our School Streets programme, which is making it easier for children to walk, scoot and cycle to and from the school gates.”
Neil Isaacson, chief executive officer of Liberty Charge, said: “We’re really proud to partner with Ealing Council, offering a solution that comes at no cost to the taxpayer to make charging an EV accessible to everyone in the borough.”
“Collaboration with the council and residents is paramount to securing the right chargers at the right speed in the right place – so the borough enjoys full EV charging optimisation.”
Find out more about EVCPs in the borough online at the council’s website.
