The region’s electric vehicle charging capability is set to be powered up by a new network of EV ‘filling stations’ that can fully charge cars and vans in a matter of minutes.
Land has been acquired for an ultra-rapid charging station on Bristol Road South in Longbridge, Birmingham, just yards from the redevelopment underway on the site of the former Rover West Works.
A CGI of the electric vehicle charging station on Bristol Road South in Longbridge. Image: West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).
Other sites include Chester Road in Erdington and the Coventry Road in Sheldon.
When fully operational next year, the stations will have 20 ultra-fast chargers adding 1,500 hours of charging capability every day for the region’s car and van drivers who will be able to power their vehicles with 100 miles or range in less than 15 minutes.
A carefully considered design 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% 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 #wm2041 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.
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