About 3,000 publicly accessible EV charging sockets are to be installed in communities, car parks and on streets across Devon and Torbay over the next few years.
Devon County Council (DCC) and Torbay Council have agreed to work with three companies – Believ, Char.gy and Wenea – which will deliver, operate and maintain the charging points.
In total, about £30m is expected to be invested by the three companies, with an £8m contribution from the Department for Transport’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund already awarded to the councils.
Both DCC and Torbay Council will work with Wenea and district councils to deliver more rapid and fast chargers in public car parks.
East Devon District Council, Exeter City Council, Mid Devon District Council, South Hams District Council, Teignbridge District Council, Torbay Council and West Devon Borough Council manage these car parks.
Also, Believ will deliver standard charger units on streets and in parish council and community car parks, while Char.gy will install charging points attached to lamp columns.
Installation of the first chargers will begin within the next few months.
Councillor Adam Billings, Cabinet Member for Pride in Place and Parking for Torbay Council, said, “The roll-out of EV charging points across Devon and Torbay will deliver real improvements for local communities and the environment.
“This investment will help remove one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption, especially for residents without off-street parking.
“Our trial of cross-pavement cable channels for EVs and our shift to an electric Stagecoach bus fleet are some of the other local initiatives set to make a real difference.”
