Somerset West and Taunton Council to extend electric vehicle charging in its car parks

Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT) has entered into a contract with electric vehicle charge point supplier Swarco eVolt, to expand the number of electric vehicle (EV) charge points planned for its car parks.

A number of 22kW fast EV charge points are due to be installed in the coming months in Minehead, Porlock, Taunton, Watchet, Wellington, Williton and Wiveliscombe.

The project supplements the work already underway to install charging points at Deane House and Blackbrook Sports Centre in Taunton, Exmoor House in Dulverton, and Alexandra Road in Minehead.

Both projects form part of the Council’s Carbon Neutrality and Climate Resilience (CNCR) Action Plan to significantly reduce carbon emissions through the roll-out of EV charging infrastructure for the district.  The roll-out is further supported by a county-wide approved Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy, which provides a blueprint for the delivery of the charging network needed for Somerset.

SWT will be applying for up to 75% of the capital costs through a grant application to the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV).

Executive Member for Climate Change, Cllr Dixie Darch, said: “We’re delighted to work with Swarco eVolt to add further electric vehicle charge points to our car parks and we hope this increases consumer confidence to convert to electric vehicles as a more sustainable method of travel.

“These additional charging points will help drivers of electric vehicles make longer, cleaner journeys and reduce the anxiety of potentially running out of power.”

Justin Meyer, Managing Director of Swarco eVolt, is pleased to see his company’s expertise contributing to the initiative: “SWT is developing a robust charging infrastructure in the region through its CNCR Action Plan, providing motorists with the support they need to switch to electric vehicles.

“This project is a further example of the work we do with local authorities, driving forward our commitment to a zero emissions future.”

Charging stations can easily be found via Swarco’s E.Connect website.  The ‘charge state’ of users’ cars can also be monitored remotely and payment made on a pay-as-you-go basis through accredited Payment Service Providers.

Further locations for charging points are expected to be announced later this year.