Cardiff to double number of rapid EV chargers

Four of 12 new rapid electric vehicle (EV) charge points will be built in Cardiff after Engenie received planning permission from Cardiff Council.

Once all 12 are complete, it will more than double the number of rapid chargers in the city centre which is hoped will encourage commuters to switch to EVs.

According to Defra, Cardiff Centre is one of the worst places in the UK for NO2 pollution, with monitoring data revealing it had 24 days in 2018 where levels were ‘moderate or higher’.

The chargepoints will be powered by 100% renewable energy and are expected to be installed by the end of the year at ‘strategic’ locations across the busy city centre.

The first sites to receive planning permission are located on Bute Crescent and Howard Place.

Photo Credit – Tiia Monto

Patrick Sherriff, business development Director, Engenie, said: ‘Our national network of rapid chargers is greatly improving air quality across the UK.

‘Cardiff Council is embracing the EV revolution and putting drivers at its heart by installing some of the most user-friendly rapid charging points available today.”

Michael Michael, cabinet member for Clean Streets, Recycling and Environment, Cardiff Council, added: ‘By welcoming private investment into the city from forward-thinking businesses like Engenie — which installs, manages and maintains rapid charging points at no cost to the council — we’re leading the charge when it comes to rolling out EV infrastructure, while generating additional revenue streams to invest back into vital services.’

The council will monitor the 12 chargers closely over the next 3-6 months, with the potential for the scheme to be extended to more city locations with the support of local distribution network operator (DNO), Western Power Distribution (WPD).

In March, Cardiff City Council confirmed they will not implement a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) in the city and instead will roll out measures worth £32m to combat air pollution.