People hoping to make the switch to an electric vehicle (EV) will find it easier in the future thanks to work being carried out by South Gloucestershire Council.
The council has launched a 12-week consultation (11 July) on a new strategy looking at where EV charging points could be installed in the area to help support those making the switch to EVs.
As part of the Climate Emergency the council has pledged to lead South Gloucestershire to become carbon neutral by 2030. This commitment includes reducing car use in favour of walking and cycling and public transport. However, for those journeys that need to be made by car the council is encouraging the use of EVs. Increasing the number of publicly available charge points will support those making the switch.
EV ownership is already growing significantly and by 2030 it is expected that 30 per cent of cars on the road will be EVs. The council’s goal is for the majority of households in South Gloucestershire to be within one mile of EV charge points.
The new EV Charging Strategy looks to complement the growth in EV charging provision in the private sector by filling the gaps, especially in more rural communities.
Councillor Steve Reade, South Gloucestershire Council’s cabinet member for transport, said: “As a council we are committed to encouraging more people to make the switch to sustainable travel options such as walking, cycling or public transport. This will help to reduce emissions on our roads and is part of our Climate Emergency response to make South Gloucestershire carbon neutral by 2030.
“We understand though that some journeys need to be made by car and that is why we have launched a new EV Charging Strategy for South Gloucestershire. We want to support those who are making the switch to an EV and encourage more to consider an EV for their next vehicle.
“By improving and increasing the EV charging network across the area we are making owning an EV a more realistic option and I encourage people to complete the consultation.”
To learn more about the EV Charging Strategy and to take part in the consultation, visit https://consultations.southglos.gov.uk/EVChargingStrategy
The consultation closes on Monday 3 October 2022.
During the consultation pop-up information events will be held around South Gloucestershire. A full list of locations and dates are available on the consultation webpage.
