The region's electric vehicle charging capability is set to be
powered up by a new network of EV ‘filling stations' that can
fully charge cars and vans in a matter of minutes.
The ultra-fast charging stations are to be built on three
prominent sites that have been secured by the West Midlands
Combined Authority (WMCA) along major routes in the north, east
and south of the region.
Outline planning permission has just been give for the first site
- on Chester Road in Erdington, Birmingham. The scheme is part of
the wider regeneration of the former GKN factory by developer
Chancerygate, a scheme that also includes 270,000sq ft of
commercial units for small businesses with the potential to
create around 300 jobs.
Land has also been acquired for an ultra-rapid charging station
on Bristol Road South in Longbridge, Birmingham, just yards from
the redevelopment underway on the site of the former Rover West
Works.
A third site is on Coventry Road in Sheldon straddling the
Solihull and Birmingham border near to the airport.
When fully operational next year, each will have 20 ultra-fast
chargers adding 1,500 hours of charging capability every day for
the region's car and van drivers who will be able to power their
vehicles with 100 miles or range in less than 15 minutes.
A carefully considered design includes prominent, covered,
well-lit and generously sized parking bays with an amenity store
or coffee shop.
, Mayor of the West
Midlands, said: “Delivering more ultra-fast charging stations is
essential if we are to get more electric vehicles on our roads.
"These stations will give drivers and businesses 24/7 access to
fast, reliable charging and the confidence to make the switch to
electric vehicles. They will keep the West Midlands moving toward
a cleaner, greener future where sustainable travel is practical,
affordable, and accessible to everyone.”
The WMCA has plans to expand the network of ultra-fast charging
stations over the next two years with a view to putting 90% of
residents and businesses within easy reach of a top-up.
Range anxiety is one of the main reasons that drivers and company
bosses have been hesitant about switching to electric vehicles
with calls for the nation's charging infrastructure to be ramped
up.
The WMCA's network of ultra-fast stations has been conceived to
help start addressing those concerns and support the
region's green transport revolution under the #wm2041 plans to be net zero
by 2041.
Funding for the multi-million-pound network is part of the
region's £1.3 billion City Region Sustainable Transport
Settlement (CRSTS) from Government and supported by private
investment.
Landowners can put forward sites to be considered for development
at www.wmca.org.uk/what-we-do/environment-energy/electric-vehicle-ultra-rapid-charging-stations/.
