Free EV charging for taxis and private hire vehicles in Bromsgrove

Bromsgrove council has teamed up with ENGIE to offer free charging for electric taxis and private hire vehicles. 

In January 2019, Bromsgrove District Council successfully won funding for the provision of electric vehicle (EV) charging under the government’s Ultra Low Emission Taxi Infrastructure Scheme. 

With this funding, Bromsgrove council has collaborated with ENGIE to install 13 50kW+ rapid EV chargers across the district.

Bromsgrove has over 60,000 cars and vans, each contributing to air pollution as well as providing on average over two tonnes of greenhouse gases per 10,000 miles driven. 

To encourage the switch to electric vehicles, for the first year following installation, all 13 chargers will be made available free of charge to registered taxi and private hire vehicles. 

Following this free period, ENGIE will then offer a discounted rate of 75% for the next 2-5 years.

The chargers will be installed by BMM Energy Solutions using 100% renewable energy sourced from UK supply, installation is due to start early this summer. 

Cllr Margaret Sherrey, said: ‘This is fantastic news for our district. Now we can get the ball rolling to develop and implement clean transport options for our residents as well as giving EV users from elsewhere in the UK the opportunity to stop or visit Bromsgrove to ‘recharge their batteries’. This really is a win-win for Bromsgrove.’

Alex Bamberg, managing director of ENGIE EV Solutions, said: ‘Bromsgrove District Council are successfully putting together a clean transport strategy to provide critical services to enable drivers to make the change to zero carbon transport.

‘Making reliable, easy to use and familiar EV charging facilities available to drivers in their own communities, encourages take up and results in cleaner air quality across the district. 

‘Our GeniePoint Network is nationwide so once registered, drivers can always find a charger wherever their journey takes them across the country.’

Photo Credit – Bromsgrove District Council