£2m for EV charge points on strategic road links in Wales

Rapid electric charging points will be rolled out across strategic road links in Wales as part of £2 million from the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru.

The funding will be used to help create a publicly accessible national network of rapid charging points by 2020, and will be focused on locations on or near strategic Welsh road networks, with a particular emphasis on North-South and East-West journeys.

Welsh Transport Secretary Ken Skates said he had also tasked officials to explore the feasibility of funding charging points at park and ride facilities and at taxi ranks.

A national concession model to deliver and run the network is being looked for, whereby a contractor would have the exclusive right to operate, maintain and carry out investment in the network.

Ken Skates said: “We are committed to promoting the use of electric and hybrid vehicles in the transition from petrol and diesel.

“This funding for electric charging points will be a massive boost to the network and will help motorists who want to use electric vehicles for longer journeys.

“This could prove to be a catalyst for change in our efforts to support the use of electric vehicles. We have chosen to focus on the North/South and East/West routes as we realise their importance for travelling around Wales.

“In these challenging times it is more important than ever that we work to improve sustainable transport links, to increase our low carbon transport options and to make Wales as accessible as we can.

“This funding is a clear demonstration of our commitment towards mitigating the impacts of climate change alongside reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality.”