Wandsworth Council has rolled out additional electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.
The council began rolling out the infrastructure in 2021 across 26 sites, 10 of which are already live.
These latest installations will see the total number of sites increase to 35, comprising 65 dual-socket EV charge points able to charge 130 vehicles at any one time.
The sites were agreed upon following a consultation with residents.
The on-street charge points are owned and operated by Liberty Charge and delivered using their sister company Virgin Media O2.
Cllr Kim Caddy Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Climate Sustainability, says the increase in EV charging infrastructure is a crucial element in achieving the Council’s environmental goals: ‘Increasing the availability of charging points is a significant step to creating a greener borough.
‘We want to not only increase the number of available charge points but to ensure that a ChargePoint is easily accessible to all our residents. That’s why we consult closely with local residents on identifying locations.’
Over the past year, EV take-up in the borough increased by just under 1,000 vehicles. The increase in infrastructure will support and encourage EV adoption across the borough. CllrCaddy says ‘As more charge points have been installed, so to has the take-up of EVs across the community. By further expanding our infrastructure, we are encouraging those in the community who have to drive to drive electric.
‘All of the installation, power, and maintenance costs, as well as logistics, are managed and met by Liberty Charge. The Council provides support in helping to identify locations and granting the necessary approvals but these charge points do not place a future burden on Council taxpayers.’