Cornwall Council’s Revolutionary Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy: A Green Future Awaits!

Published On: 9 January 2024Last Updated: 9 January 2024By CornishStuff

Cornwall Leads Charge in UK’s Electric Vehicle Revolution – Your Opinion Matters!

In an ambitious move to embrace a sustainable and environmentally friendly future, Cornwall Council has released its comprehensive Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (EVI) Strategy, seeking public feedback to fine-tune this groundbreaking initiative. With the sales of electric vehicles (EVs) escalating across the UK, the council aims to tackle one of the most significant barriers to EV adoption: the lack of adequate charging infrastructure.

Embracing a Carbon Neutral Future

Cornwall Council declared a Climate Emergency in 2019, supporting the Cornwall Transport Plan’s goal for a carbon-neutral transport network by 2030. Central to this vision is the transition to electric cars and vans, renowned for producing zero tailpipe emissions and significantly lower overall carbon emissions.

Key Goals by 2030

The council has set ambitious targets for 2030, including:

An extensive EV charging network, eliminating barriers to EV adoption.
Equitable access to chargepoints across urban, rural, and coastal communities.
High-quality experiences at public chargepoints.
Reduced carbon emissions and improved air quality.

Current Status and Future Direction

The EV market in Cornwall is rapidly growing, with 2.07% of vehicles registered as EVs, slightly below the UK average. The region currently boasts 408 publicly available chargepoints, a number that needs to expand to accommodate the growing EV market.

Modelling predicts a significant increase in EV uptake, further accelerated by the 2035 ban on petrol and diesel vehicles. This shift to EVs is expected to dramatically reduce CO2 emissions by 98% by 2050, aligning with Cornwall’s decarbonisation goals.

Strategic Actions for EV Infrastructure Expansion

Cornwall Council plans to:

Expand the Public EV Charging Network: Addressing the increasing demand for public EV charging, the council aims to develop a diverse network of chargepoints, both on and off-street, across Cornwall. This includes addressing areas less attractive to private sector investment due to lower demand or grid constraints.
Support Residents without Off-Street Parking: Approximately 23% of Cornwall households lack off-street parking. The council plans to install charging hubs in car parks and other council-owned lands, and explore various on-street charging technologies.
Ensure Access in Rural Areas: Given Cornwall’s mainly rural nature, the council faces challenges in providing equitable EV charging infrastructure in these areas. Solutions include public-private partnerships, collaborating with community landowners, and investigating microgeneration options.
Boost Green Tourism: Cornwall, a prime tourist destination, will enhance EV charging facilities at key tourist locations. The council plans to work with the tourism industry to improve chargepoint coverage, ensuring they cater to the unique needs of tourists.
Raise EV Awareness: To combat misconceptions about EVs and promote their benefits, the council will launch campaigns and events, highlighting the practicalities of EV ownership and charging.

Your Voice Matters!

Cornwall Council is inviting residents, businesses, and visitors to participate in a survey, providing valuable feedback to refine and implement this pioneering EVI strategy. Your contribution can play a crucial role in shaping Cornwall’s green future and sustainable transportation landscape.

Complete the survey by clicking here – The survey closes at midnight on Sunday 14 January 2024.

Join the movement and have your say in Cornwall’s journey towards a greener tomorrow!