88 EV charging points to be created across West Yorkshire

13 rapid electric vehicle charging points will be available in Wakefield, West Yorkshire this month as part of a project funded by the government’s Office for Low Emission Vehicles. 

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority and electric utility company ENGIE have come together to create the charging points.

The aim of this project is to provide a network of charge points in order to encourage the interest and use of electric vehicles in the region.

Each charge point will have two parking bays, with one dedicated for taxi use.

This programme is a result of a successful bid for part of a £3m fund allocated by the government’s office for low emission vehicles (OLEV).

Cllr Denise Jeffry, Wakefield Council’s cabinet member for economic growth and regeneration said: ‘We want residents in Wakefield to consider switching to electric vehicles and one of the best ways to do this is to make it convenient and free for people to access charge points.’

‘As a council, we have committed to becoming a carbon-neutral organisation by 2030 and it is important that we also encourage our residents to reduce their carbon footprint.’

‘The electricity comes from 100% renewable sources so is great for the environment and just one of the many schemes we are looking at to help tackle climate change.’

Alex Bamberg, managing director of EV Solutions at ENGIE said: ‘We are delighted to be launching the next phase of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority electric vehicle charging network in the Wakefield district.’

‘These new charge points will play a key role in encouraging the uptake of electric vehicles and tackling air pollution to create a greener, cleaner place for people to live and work.’

‘Providing green mobility solutions is just one part of a wider strategy where we support local authorities and the public by helping shape their environment as we move towards a net-zero carbon world.’

‘We are looking forward to seeing Wakefield residents benefit from this fantastic scheme.’

In related news, EV leasing firm DriveElectric is working with Transport for London (TfL) to offer micro-businesses and charities a switch to pure electric vehicles under the Mayor of London’s new Van Scrappage Scheme.

Photo Credit – Pixabay