Charge point Operator Mer and installers Joju Charging are rolling out more than 130 new EV chargers across 34 council-owned carparks for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council.
Mer has initially installed 12 rapid chargers across the area as part of an upgrade and replacement programme on historic infrastructure, the majority of which was achieved in 2021.
Phase 2 involves the installation of fast and rapid public chargers at car parks across the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole region and a total of four sites have been designated for rapid hub installations of eight 50kW-150kW rapid chargers.
Mer’s rapid hub chargers will dynamically balance the power available across charging vehicles.
This means that if fewer than eight cars are charging, then each vehicle can charge at a higher power, making charging more efficient for residents and visitors.
The 50kW rapid chargers enable drivers to charge their EVs to 80% in about 40 minutes, while the 22kW fast chargers offer a steady charge over a longer timeframe.
With Joju Charging, Mer is deploying more chargers across the South Coast of England, and this project is in addition to those in the neighbouring councils of Dorset (50 chargers), New Forest (20 chargers), and Isle of Wight (28 chargers).
Mer provides chargers that are powered by 100% renewable, zero-carbon energy.
As usage increases, Phase 2 will involve the expansion of the infrastructure in the current carparks, in addition to the development of on-street charging.
Councillor Mike Greene, BCP Council’s portfolio holder for transport and sustainability said, “The proposed infrastructure ensures the transition to electric transportation amongst our local residents is more accessible.
“Now with additional infrastructure to the existing chargers at supermarkets and hotels, residents and visitors can feel confident that EV driving is an achievable and attractive prospect.”
