New electric car charging points in Dartmouth "are a step on the road to net zero"

The first of 80 new Electric Vehicle (EV) charge points planned for 38 public car parks across Devon are now ready for public use in Dartmouth’s Mayors Avenue Car Park.

EV charge points at the South Hams District Council owned car park are now available to be used by the public. It’ll be possible to charge two vehicles at one time; the two charging bays are fully accessible, converted from three regular parking spaces, available for the sole use of electric vehicle charging.

Cllr Tom Holway, South Hams District Council’s Executive Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity, said: “Since declaring our Climate Emergency, South Hams District Council has been committed to working with our partners through the Devon Climate Emergency Response Group to aim to reduce carbon emissions across the South Hams district to net zero by 2050.

“Infrastructure projects such as this are vital to being able to reach that goal. We need to be able to encourage residents and visitors alike to make more sustainable choices; projects like these facilitate those choices and help to make net zero a realistic and achievable target.”

The charging point scheme is being rolled out across 38 public car parks in the county over the next 12 months. The scheme is being delivered through a partnership of Devon County Council, South Hams District Council, West Devon Borough Council, North Devon Council, Teignbridge District Council, East Devon District Council and ScottishPower on behalf of Devon Climate Emergency (DCE).

The remaining sites will be installed in phases this summer.

Powered by the renewable energy through a green tariff, the charge points are compatible with all makes of EVs and will fully charge a 50 kWh battery in two to four hours, providing a range of up to 200 miles depending on vehicle specification.

The rate of charge is dictated by the vehicle's inverter however these chargers can deliver enough electricity for up to 88 miles of travel in one hour. This means the points are ideal for both shorter stops, such as shopping trips, and regular charges by residents. As these points are for public use, they are also available for visitors of Devon wishing to charge their electric vehicle.

The cost to fully charge a 50 kWh battery, providing a range of up to 200 miles, would be in the region of £17.50.

Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport said: “When seeking to reduce Devon’s carbon emissions it is essential that we provide the tools which will enable our residents to access certain lifestyle changes.

"On-road transportation makes up a large percentage of Devon’s carbon emissions, meaning taking petrol and diesel cars off the roads could make a significant impact towards our goal of net zero by 2050.

“Providing reliable electric vehicle charging points helps us to facilitate our community’s involvement in reducing their personal carbon footprints, from which everyone will benefit.”

ScottishPower’s Smart Solutions Director, Chris Carberry said: “ScottishPower is excited to be working with Devon and all the project partners involved in the Deletti programme. This is one of many such projects that demonstrates our commitment to speeding up the transition to cleaner electric transport, improving air quality and over time, driving down cost, all to deliver a better future, quicker for everyone.”

Through the scheme, nine car parks in the South Hams will get new charging points, including in Totnes, Kingsbridge, Salcombe and Modbury.

These charging points are part of the larger DELETTI programme, a £1.3 million project which is being largely funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

It’s an essential part of Devon’s Carbon Plan, the county’s road-map to net-zero, which is being published by the DCE this summer.

The plan calls for the ‘decarbonisation’ of on-road transportation which causes almost 30 per cent of Devon’s carbon emissions.

(L to R) Cllr Hilary Bastone and Cllr Tom Holway of South Hams District Council, Bruce Young, ScottishPower's Technical Executive, Cllr Jonathan Hawkins SHDC, Cllr Stuart Hughes DCC, DCC Project Manager Alistair Mumford in front of a ScottishPower electric car and the new charging point in Mayors Avenue