Green light for rural electric vehicle charging project

Norfolk's Electric Vehicle infrastructure has been given another boost today with an application to the Norfolk Infrastructure Fund for £175,000 to improve the provision of charging points across the County approved by Cabinet.

The Norfolk Rural Electric Vehicle Charge Point Pilot Scheme will increase the availability of public electric vehicle charging point (EVCP) facilities in rural communities by looking at opportunities to use both existing public and private infrastructure.

It is hoped that by improving the availability of public charge points more people will be able to make the transition to electric vehicles.

Cllr Graham Plant, Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Transport, said: "Transport is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and the transition to electric vehicles can make the biggest short-term difference to greenhouse gas emissions. That's why the UK Government has committed to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars in 2030. Having the right infrastructure in place is vital to helping people to make the transition to an electric vehicle so securing this funding is key to us ensuring that Norfolk is fit for the future."

The project is a partnership with local supplier Anglia Car Charging who will be providing match funding for the scheme. The money will be used to:

• Install a minimum of 26 charge points across Norfolk
• Establish 'Plug-in Norfolk'; a charging network initiative for the county bringing together businesses, parish communities and other organisations to introduce consistency to charging across Norfolk
• Work with the Broads Authority to identify locations with boat charging provision and install car charging to showcase multi-modal green transport charging infrastructure
• Create a universal payment, maintenance, and support system
• Trial modular solar car port chargers in areas where facilities would otherwise not be provided

This new investment comes just two weeks after Norfolk County Council was awarded a £1.1 million investment from the Department for Transport LEVI (Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure) capability fund to install charge points across Norfolk. As well as the announcement of 46 charge points being installed across Norwich later this year.

Cllr Fabian Eagle; Cabinet member for Growing the Economy said; "This recent boost in funding is creating a significant improvement to the electric vehicle infrastructure across our county. Norfolk will be getting more than 160 new public electric vehicle charge points over the next 18 months. These will be across rural and urban areas and available for both residents and visitors to Norfolk. By having the right infrastructure in place we hope more people will be able to drive around the county more sustainably which will benefit us all."

Norfolk County Council and Net Zero

Norfolk County Council has committed to achieve 'net zero' carbon emissions on its estates by 2030, but within its wider area, to work with partners towards 'carbon neutrality'. This also supports the government's ambition for a net zero country by 2050. We will achieve this by implementing carbon conscious ways of working across our buildings and supply chain; putting in place the right infrastructure across the county to support the move towards net-zero; and by working together with partners to lead and inspire our colleagues, citizens, communities and businesses to take action and play their part in protecting Norfolk for future generations.