Leaders from England’s Economic Heartland met with Minister of State for Decarbonisation and Technology, Rt Hon Jesse Norman MP, earlier this month to discuss how the region is planning the rollout of electric vehicle charge points.
Charging infrastructure will be needed to support the exponential growth in electric vehicles over the next decade. For example, the government expects the number of public charge points to increase tenfold by 2030 – with local authorities expected to play a major role in delivering this.
At the meeting, organised by the East of England APPG, Mr Norman heard how EEH in collaboration with Transport East, is supporting local authorities to develop and implement local charging strategies. This includes a new online tool which includes baseline data, electric vehicle uptake scenarios, forecasts and the likely sites where public sector support will be required. The tool will go live within weeks.
With attendees including EEH Chair Cllr Richard Wenham, Hertfordshire County Council’s Cllr Phil Bibby and EEH managing director Naomi Green, the meeting impressed upon the minister the scale of the challenge ahead and the important role sub-national transport bodies will play in helping the government and local authorities meet ambitious targets.