Key Points
- The county currently has 1,207 public chargepoints (as of July 2024).
- Off-street charging hubs will be developed in council car parks and public land.
- On-street chargepoints will prioritise areas with high demand and no off-street options.
- Platforms like Zap-Home enable neighbourhood charger sharing.
- Grants offer up to 75% off home chargepoint installation costs for eligible properties.
- Motability users can get fully funded home chargepoints.
- Businesses can access £350 per socket for workplace charging installations.
- Landlords can apply for grants to install EV charging infrastructure.
- Streetlight charging and innovative solutions are being explored for accessibility.
- Car clubs like Enterprise allow short-term EV hire for residents.
- Residents can propose new chargepoint locations for future planning.
- Private charging cables across pavements are prohibited for safety reasons.
- Hertfordshire collaborates with district councils to create a comprehensive EV network.
- The strategy aims to make Hertfordshire a leader in sustainable transport.
Hertfordshire County Council has announced a £6,735,000 investment to expand its electric vehicle (EV) charging network, aiming to make the county greener, healthier, and more sustainable. Funded by the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund (LEVI), this initiative seeks to meet the rising demand for EVs by improving accessibility to charge-points across Hertfordshire.
A Growing Charging Network
The county currently features 1,207 public chargepoints (as of July 2024), located in car parks, petrol stations, and on-street parking bays. To make charging easier, drivers can use tools like Zap Map to locate nearby chargers, check plug types, and payment options, and report faults. For residents without home charging access, services such as Zap-Home, Co Charger, and Place2Park offer the option to rent private charge-points from neighbours.
Investing in EV Charging Infrastructure
The funding will support the council’s structured approach to expanding EV infrastructure:
- Off-street charging hubs: These will be developed in council-owned car parks and another publicly owned land, providing convenient charging near town centres, residential areas, and main roads.
- On-street chargepoints: These will be installed in areas where off-street options are unavailable or insufficient, prioritising high-demand locations.
Residents are encouraged to propose new chargepoint locations via the council’s mapping system, helping to identify potential future sites.
Support for Home Chargepoint Installation
For those with off-street parking, the council promotes the installation of home chargepoints, highlighting resources from the Electric Vehicle Consumer Code. UK Government grants offer up to 75% off installation costs for eligible properties. Motability users can also benefit from fully funded chargepoint installations through their mobility allowance.
Business and Landlord Grants Available
Businesses can access funding through the Workplace Charging Scheme, which provides £350 per socket for up to 40 chargepoints. Landlords can also apply for grants to support the installation of chargepoints and related infrastructure, helping ensure EV accessibility for tenants and employees.
Innovative Solutions and Future Plans
The council prohibits running private cables across pavements due to safety concerns but is exploring innovative alternatives, such as streetlight charging, to address accessibility challenges. Meanwhile, trials for cable covers and recessed gullies are being monitored for potential adoption.
Try Before You Buy
Residents hesitant about switching to an EV can utilise local car clubs, which allow short-term EV hires. Available through services like Enterprise, these vehicles are conveniently parked in charging bays and can be rented by the minute, hour, or day.
Collaboration for a Greener Future
This £6.7 million investment is part of a broader collaboration between Hertfordshire County Council and district councils to create a reliable, accessible EV charging network. With sustainability at the forefront, the county is positioning itself as a leader in green innovation and infrastructure.
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