Superfast car charging hub on the horizon for Cheltenham
Three cark parks to benefit from new rapid charging hubs in 2024 Industry leader, The EV Network, to deliver and manage hubs The project supports the Cheltenham Council’s goal of becoming a net zero borough by 2030
Three new state-of-the-art EV charging hubs across Cheltenham have moved a step closer.
With a total of 26 rapid charging bays across the town, each high-powered point has the potential to deliver a full charge in around 20 to 40 minutes.
The charging hubs are set to come online in November, with Cheltenham Borough Council exchanging contracts with The EV Network to lease the land for construction.
The EV Network, a leading provider of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure solutions, will also manage the charging sites as part of the unique model the company provides.
This marks a substantial investment in the EV infrastructure of the town and a significant step forward in sustainable transportation in Gloucestershire, with reliable and rapid charging at 300kW.
This comes development follows Cheltenham Borough Council voting in 2019 to declare a climate emergency, with the target of being a carbon neutral town by 2030 a main pillar of the motion.
As part of the town’s subsequent “Carbon Neutral Cheltenham” report, the need to roll out dedicated electric charging points to further support the roll of out of electric vehicles to replace those powered by internal combustion engines was highlighted.
The hubs will be located in key car parks, to ensure maximum accessibility and coverage, with the scheduled November launch in time for the popular Cheltenham Christmas ice rink and busy festive shopping period.
The EV Network mission is to deliver fast, scalable, and economically viable EV infrastructure to the UK’s drivers. The company has delivered numerous successful projects across the UK including one of the largest charging hubs in Europe at NEC Birmingham, with 30 Ultra-fast charging points to service the daily requirements of the motorway network, NEC visitors and the nearby Birmingham airport.
Cllr Alisha Lewis, cabinet member for finance and assets, at Cheltenham Borough Council, said: "Our partnership with The EV Network in these first three sites marks a milestone in our efforts to improve and promote sustainable transport options in Cheltenham. While electric vehicles are only part of the solution, it’s important that we do what we can to ensure people have convenient charging options in our car parks.
“By investing in high-powered charging infrastructure, we are not only easing the transition to electric vehicles but demonstrating our commitment to reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality. This initiative aligns with our vision for a cleaner, greener, and more environmentally friendly Cheltenham."
Reza Shaybani, CEO and co-founder of The EV Network continued: "We are thrilled to be partnering with Cheltenham Borough Council to deliver high-powered charging infrastructure throughout the borough. This initiative will play a vital role in supporting the growing number of electric vehicle users in Cheltenham and will contribute significantly to the town's sustainability goals. Our aim is to provide convenient, reliable, and superfast charging solutions that meet the needs of both current and future EV owners."
The first three charging hubs will be located at St James Street, Bath Terrace and Church Piece car parks, with more to follow from 2025.
For more information about the council’s climate emergency work, visit cheltenham.gov.uk/climate
