5,000 electric vehicle chargers to roll out across Essex

Millions of pounds in government funding will significantly expand local charging infrastructure.

More than 5,000 electric vehicle charging sockets will be installed across Essex with millions of pounds awarded in government funding.

Essex County Council will receive £8.3 million from the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund to complete installations in different locations over the coming months.

The fund supports local authorities in England to work with the charge point industry to improve the roll-out and commercialisation of local charging infrastructure.

It follows earlier funding in March which has already seen more than 60 electric vehicle charging sockets installed in locations chosen by Essex residents.

Chargers are live in Chelmsford and Colchester and currently being installed in Epping, Saffron Walden, Harwich and Canvey Island.

The latest LEVI funding will be used to install charging points across a mix of on street and off-street locations, in both urban and rural areas, to minimise gaps in the network.

The council will now work closely with city, district and borough partners to assess viable locations and bring commercial suppliers onboard.

Essex residents are also asked to suggest locations for the electric chargers to be installed by visiting www.essexhighways.org/getting-around/driving/electric-car

Councillor Tom Cunningham, Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport, said: “We are committed to giving residents a choice in how they travel. The electric vehicle strategy focuses on delivering the right charger in the right place to encourage Active Travel, which means walking and cycling for shorter trips or as part of longer ones.

“Charging points will help more residents switch to an electric car where possible, particularly those who may not have access to off-street parking.”

Councillor Peter Schwier, Climate Czar and Cabinet Member for Environment, Waste Reduction and Recycling, added: “It goes without saying that driving electric vehicles makes for a greener and healthier environment, but it’s not feasible for many people. With the roll-out of thousands of charging sockets, electric vehicles are becoming a more viable option for residents living across Essex, from urban to rural areas.”