Somerset gets £4m to install EV charging points

Residents are to be asked to suggest locations for chargepoints

Nearly £4m has been allocated to Somerset Council for the installation of electric vehicle chargepoints across the county.

The money comes from a government fund that mainly targets drivers who do not have access to off-street parking – this applies to 27% of homes in Somerset.

Residents are to be asked to suggest locations for electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints via the council website.

At least 25% of the chargepoints will be installed in lower-demand areas. Councillor Richard Wilkins said: "By adopting this delivery approach, we can ensure that rural communities are not left behind in the transition to electric vehicle infrastructure."

In total, Somerset Council is being given £3.78m from the government's Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure fund.

The council is now in the process of appointing a company to fulfil a 17-year contract.

Under the contract, a minimum of 1,606 low-powered chargepoints will be installed, each delivering up to 7kW, which is suitable for overnight charging.

The council will receive an annual income from the chosen operator to cover administration costs.

The operator will also fund 20 rapid chargepoints delivering 50kW or more, the council said.

The existing electrical network for street lamps will be used where possible to reduce installation costs and disruption, it added.