COVENTRY has been named in the top three of a national league table highlighting the towns and cities with the most electric vehicle charge points.
With more than 150 charge points, the city comes third in the standings, with only London and Milton Keynes having more.
Councillor Patricia Hetherton, Coventry City Council’s Cabinet Member for City Services, believes it’s important Coventry remains at the forefront of the growth in electrical vehicles.
“According to statistics from the Department for Transport, there are around 420 plug-in cars on the roads in Coventry and we know that that number is going to continue to rise over the next few years.
“And it’s not just cars, we’re going to see more electric buses and taxis as people choose more environmentally-friendly methods of transport, so it’s great that we’re building that infrastructure.
“Not only are electric vehicles cheaper to run and maintain, they also don’t emit any harmful exhaust emissions, meaning cleaner air for us all to breathe.
“It’s a win-win for everyone.”
Coventry has 156 charge points in total, with 30 rapid chargers, with the charge points spread across residential areas as well as the city centre – and that number is set to grow.
There are plans for a further 99 charge points to be added, plus a further 20 charge points for Council vehicles and 9 for taxis.
70 of the future 99 planned charge points come as part of a £258,000 grant from the Office for Low Emission Vehicles.
By March next year, it is estimated Coventry will have more than 45 fast chargers, more than 150 slower chargers and more than 40 rapid chargers in the city.
The increasing use of electric vehicles are seen as part of the solution to improving air quality which is why Coventry is committed to ensuring that there are sufficient charging points in the future.
Cllr Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs and Regeneration, said: “There is a green industrial revolution underway and we are leading the way. Electric charge points, especially those in areas where homes don’t have a driveway, will make it easier for people to use an electric car.
“We are also pioneering Very Light rail, battery technology, a scheme to encourage taxi drivers to switch to electric vehicles and sustainable building technologies.”
