Revolutionary Solar Charging Project Set to Transform Cornwall’s E-Bike Share Scheme

Cornwall is set to become a pioneer in sustainable transport, with Beryl and Cornwall Council securing funding for a groundbreaking solar charging project. The initiative aims to enhance the existing e-bike share scheme by installing solar-powered e-mobility charging hubs across the region, marking the first project of its kind in the UK.

Strategically Placed Solar Hubs

The project will see six solar charging hubs installed at key locations in Cornwall, following a strategic consultation process. These hubs will feature innovative rubberised solar panels designed to recharge e-bike batteries efficiently, significantly reducing the number of daily battery swaps required by on-street teams. The first installation is expected to begin in the coming weeks, with all hubs scheduled for completion by March 2025.

Patrick Donnelly, Beryl’s Head of Policy, highlighted the benefits of the project, explaining that the solar hubs could eliminate up to sixty battery swap jobs per day. This improvement would allow the company to reallocate resources towards e-bike maintenance and increase the availability of bikes on the streets by up to 15%.

Boosting Sustainability and Efficiency

This solar charging initiative is part of the broader Transport Decarbonisation Demonstrators programme, funded by the Department for Transport and delivered by Innovate UK. The project’s aim is to support innovative solutions that can significantly reduce carbon emissions in local transport. Without the need for a grid connection, these solar-powered hubs are expected to lower the carbon footprint of the e-bike scheme and reduce operational costs, making it easier to expand the network into new areas.

The potential benefits extend beyond the operational improvements. The project is expected to increase e-bike ridership in Cornwall, potentially generating up to 50,000 more trips annually. This aligns with Cornwall Council’s goal to promote sustainable travel options for residents.

Connor Donnithorne, Cornwall Council’s cabinet portfolio holder for transport, expressed optimism about the impact of the funding, noting that it will increase e-bike availability in high-demand areas like Falmouth, Penryn, and Newquay. Donnithorne also emphasised that this project is part of the council’s broader efforts to reduce Cornwall’s carbon emissions.

A Blueprint for Rural E-Mobility

Mike Biddle, Executive Director Net Zero at Innovate UK, underscored the broader implications of the project, suggesting that it could serve as a model for decarbonisation in rural transport. The project is expected to bring multiple benefits, including improved health outcomes from increased access to active travel, a stronger sense of community, and reduced congestion from fewer private vehicles on the road.

Beryl and Cornwall Council first introduced the e-bike share scheme in Falmouth in September 2022. Since then, the scheme has expanded to other towns, now featuring 302 e-bikes across 110 bays. With the new solar charging hubs, Cornwall’s e-bike share scheme is set to become even more efficient, sustainable, and accessible to the local community.