Ambitious plans have been set out on how Manchester can play its part in rolling out hundreds of new electric vehicle (EV) charging points in years to come.
The growth of EV usage across Manchester forms an important pillar in the project of Manchester becoming zero-carbon by 2038.
It is estimated that by 2038 there could approximately be 150,000 EV car and light goods vehicles (LGVs) in use in the city. To support that the current network of charging points across the city will need to be significantly expanded.
In a report going to the City Council’s Executive today (October 16) a plan has been set out on how Manchester City Council can play its part alongside local, national and commercial partners in working towards improving EV provision over the coming decade.
In its report, the Council sets out three key priorities which will guide this ambition.
They are:
- Encouraging the transition towards EVs
- Improving charging infrastructure
- Identifying funding opportunities
The Council recognises that to meet its zero-carbon aims a significant amount of work will need to take place to firstly encourage more people away from polluting vehicles to EVs, then ensuring that charging infrastructure is available for people to use and ensure that funding is available to provide that key infrastructure.
In the coming years the Council will leverage its position as a voice within Manchester to communicate the benefits of transitioning to EVs, as well as supporting groups where funding is available who may find it harder to transition from cheaper – albeit more polluting – forms of transport. These groups include but aren’t limited to high mileage users such as taxis or delivery drivers, low-income residents as well as people with disabilities of lower mobility.
The government will also be pressed to lower VAT on public charging to a rate in line with at-home charging, making it easier on people’s finances when considering a change to an EV.
Around £3.3m has already been provisionally identified via two funding streams – the Local EV Infrastructure grant (LEVI) and the City Regions Sustainable Transport Settlement Funds (CRSTS). This funding will be used to support an initial roll-out of additional charging points across Manchester in a number of different configurations as well as incorporating new charging points at existing car parks. It is hoped that over time even more funding will be secured to expand the charging network.
Councillor Tracey Rawlins, Executive Member for Environment and Transport said: “The use of EVs will play a huge part in Manchester becoming a zero-carbon city by 2038. At this moment in time, we know there are a number of barriers which could prevent someone from investing an in EV, a key one being the lack of charging points across the city.
“As a Council we are not under any statutory obligation to provide EV charging points but we know that this is the right course of action to take. EV usage will hinge on how accessible it is for people and by working to break down barriers we will be playing part in their success.”