Electric charging points
The government aims to stop selling petrol, diesel, and hybrid cars and vans by 2040. To future-proof their communities, parish and town councils can install electric charging points, facilitating the transition of rural areas towards electric vehicle usage.
By actively promoting and supporting the installation of electric charging points, parish and town councils can contribute to developing infrastructure that supports sustainable transportation options and helps reduce carbon emissions in their communities. Here are several actions to facilitate the installation of electric charging points:
- Identify suitable locations — Assess the community's needs and identify suitable locations for electric charging points, considering factors such as accessibility, visibility, and demand.
- Partnerships and funding — Collaborate with local businesses, government agencies, and community groups to secure funding and support for installing electric charging infrastructure.
- Grant applications — Explore opportunities for grants and funding from government schemes or private organisations to offset the costs associated with installing electric charging points.
- Planning permission — Navigate the planning permission process to ensure compliance with local regulations and obtain necessary approvals for installing electric charging points in public spaces.
- Public consultation — Seek input from residents through public consultations or surveys to gauge interest, gather feedback, and address concerns regarding the placement and design of electric charging points.
- Promotion and awareness — Raise awareness among residents about the benefits of electric vehicles and the availability of electric charging infrastructure through educational campaigns, community events, and informational materials.
- Maintenance and upkeep — Establish plans for the maintenance and upkeep of electric charging points to ensure their reliability and functionality over time, possibly through partnerships with maintenance service providers or local businesses.
- Integration with renewable energy — Explore options for integrating electric charging points with renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or wind turbines, to enhance sustainability and reduce carbon emissions.
- Incentives for installation — Consider offering incentives or discounts to property owners or businesses willing to host electric charging points on their premises, encouraging wider adoption and coverage across the community.
- Monitoring and evaluation — Regularly monitor the usage and effectiveness of electric charging points, gathering data on usage patterns and user satisfaction to inform future planning and decision-making.
Useful links
- Charging Infrastructure Investment Fund
- Energy Saving Trust - Electric cars
- GOV.UK - Electric vehicle charge point and infrastructure grant guidance for installers
- Office for Zero Emission Vehicles
- The Carbon Trust - Electic and smart vehicles guide
- Zap Nap - Map of electric charging points for electric cars