New charging points arriving for electric vehicles
Drivers of electric vehicles will be able to stop off and charge up at eight new locations across Test Valley by the end of the month.
A total of 18 new electric vehicle charging points will be installed at car parks in Andover and Romsey over the coming weeks, as Test Valley Borough Council bids to cater for the growing number of electric vehicles on the roads.
The provision of the charge points is being funded by a grant from the Office for Low Emission Vehicles and Swedish utility company Vattenfall, and delivered by the council’s partner for this project, Joju Charging.
The new points will be installed at the Chantry Centre, Shepherds Spring Lane, George Yard, South Street and Borden Gates car parks in Andover. In Romsey, they will be put in place at Alma Road, Lortemore Place and Princes Road.
The charging points will be operated by Vattenfall on the InCharge network, with renewable electricity supplied by Vattenfall’s UK wind farms.
The work began on Monday to put in place the charging points, starting with Bordon Gates in Andover and Lortemore Place, Romsey.
There are currently a range of other points across the borough – including a rapid charger at Romsey Rapids, and the additions come as the council prepares to declare a climate emergency next month.
Planning and transport portfolio holder, councillor Nick Adams-King, said: “We have to make sure we are not just keeping up with change, but trying our best to stay one step ahead. There is a growing number of electric vehicles driving in our borough and there is no reason why they shouldn’t be able to top up their charges at a number of our car parks.
“We are taking the proposition of a climate change emergency extremely seriously so I’m pleased that this is a step we have been able to take.”
Anthony Hinde, Vattenfall’s Director for InCharge in the UK, said: “It’s great to forge this partnership with Test Valley Borough Council. With Vattenfall’s InCharge we are determined to put the driver first and enable fossil free living within one generation. Our charging stations, combined with future roaming agreements with other charging station operators, will improve the electric vehicle driver experience in Hampshire and across Britain.”
The 18 charging points will be able to provide a full charge for most vehicles between one and four hours depending on size and the vehicle’s technology.