West Midlands accelerate roll out of EV charging stations

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) have announced plans for three ultra-fast charging stations on prominent sites on major routes in the region but are actively searching for more. 

The sites are in the Birmingham districts of Erdington and Longbridge, and a site on the Birmingham Solihull border. 

It is expected that all three will be fully operational next year, featuring 20 ultra-fast chargers which will be able to provide 1,500 hours of charging capability each day. Drivers will be able to add 100 miles of range to their EVs in less than 15 minutes.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: ‘Delivering more ultra-fast charging stations is essential if we are to get more electric vehicles on our roads.

‘These stations will give drivers and businesses 24/7 access to fast, reliable charging and the confidence to make the switch to electric vehicles. They will keep the West Midlands moving toward a cleaner, greener future where sustainable travel is practical, affordable, and accessible to everyone.’

The WMCA has plans to expand the network of ultra-fast charging stations over the next two years, aiming to put 90% of residents and businesses within easy reach of a top-up.

To that end the Authority are searching for a further nine sites and are inviting landowners to get in touch if they are willing to sell a suitable site. 

Specifically, they are looking for prime locations on, or near to the West Midlands Key Route Network that fulfill the following criteria:

• Freehold sites purchased at a competitive price
• Circa 1.0 acre (larger cleared sites and demolition opportunities will also be considered)
• Development land, or sites with existing vacant buildings, or short term investment assets to be cleared
• Arterial routes and prominent junctions
• Daily passing traffic flow of circa 20,000 vehicles
• Ideally all mains utilities, including an initial power supply of 1 MW

Funding for the network is part of the region’s £1.3 billion City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) from Government and supported by private investment.

Image: West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).