West Midlands Combined Authority speeds up the installation of electric vehicle charging stations
In a bid to boost the growth of electric vehicles (EVs) in the region, the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has unveiled plans for three ultra-fast charging stations. These charging stations will be strategically located in Birmingham districts of Erdington, Longbridge, and one site on the Birmingham Solihull border.
The WMCA aims to ensure that 90% of residents and businesses are within easy reach of a top-up, and these new sites are expected to play a significant role in achieving this goal. Ideally, all mains utilities, including an initial power supply of 1 MW, should be available at the sites.
Commercial hubs with existing footfall, such as the McArthurGlen West Midlands site, serve as effective locations for charging stations. This shopping centre already has ultra-rapid charging bays, providing a combination of shopping, dining, and charging amenities.
Substations and operational facilities managed by National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) are also being utilised for EV charger installation. NGED is investing £13 million to add 182 EV charger bays across 83 primary substations and 8 offices, including sites in the Midlands. These locations are ideal for integrating chargers into existing infrastructure, supporting both public and fleet usage.
The growth in charging points has been especially strong in the West Midlands, with overall charge point numbers increasing by over 38% year-on-year. This growth indicates the increasing demand that necessitates further site deployment for ultra-fast charging.
To support the expansion of ultra-fast charging stations in the West Midlands, the WMCA is inviting landowners to offer suitable sites for purchase. The preferred sites should be on or near the West Midlands Key Route Network, located at arterial routes and prominent junctions. The ideal size of the sites is around 1 acre, but larger cleared sites and demolition opportunities will also be considered.
Each station will feature 20 ultra-fast chargers, providing 1,500 hours of charging capability each day. Drivers can add 100 miles of range to their electric vehicles in less than 15 minutes at these stations, ensuring fast, reliable charging 24/7. The ultra-fast charging stations are intended to encourage the switch to electric vehicles by providing drivers and businesses with round-the-clock access to fast charging.
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, stated that delivering more ultra-fast charging stations is essential for increasing the number of electric vehicles on the roads. Each station will be fully operational next year.
The funding for the network is part of the region's £1.3 billion City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) from the Government, supported by private investment. Policy and investment support, such as those advocated by ChargeUK, including VAT adjustments and incentives, could further accelerate site development and ultra-fast network expansion.
In summary, growth in ultra-fast charging in the West Midlands requires adding sites at commercial centres, expanding the substations charging network, and filling gaps along heavily travelled routes, supported by public and private investment. The WMCA's goal is to ensure that 90% of residents and businesses are within easy reach of a top-up, and these new charging stations are a significant step towards achieving this goal.
- Recognizing the potential of technology in driving the growth of environmental science, the WMCA plans to integrate technology into these charging stations by making mains utilities, including an initial power supply of 1 MW, available at the sites.
- In the realm of finance, these ultra-fast charging stations are anticipated to stimulate growth in the finance sector by fostering the increased adoption of electric vehicles, a shift that aligns with sustainable economic development strategies.
