Wales to get new nationwide charging network

This strategy is set to realise anything between 30,000-50,000 fast EV chargers, charging between 150 – 350kw at motorway services with the larger sites featuring around 10-12 chargers. It also hopes to establish 2,000-3,5000 ultra-rapid or rapid EV chargers delivering 120-145 miles of range for only 15 minutes after plugging in the EV, making it a quick and more reliable top-up option for users travelling on longer journeys.

A consultation on this strategy was launched, and this was part of the Government’s consistent efforts to facilitate the transition from fuel-powered vehicles to low emission Electric cars. The ongoing project confirms the establishment of Public EV charging points in Penrhyn Castle, Bodnant Garden, Erddig, Chirk Castle, Powis Castle, Llŷn Peninsula, Snowdonia, Tredegar House, and Newport.

The Government has shown its commitment to getting a nationwide charging network by 2025 with the proposed £30 million rapid changing funds. The plan was initiated in the March 2020 budget, and the Welsh Department of Transport shared its goals on utilising the Government EV funding.

The growing network currently has 124+ charge points across Wales, providing EV drivers, businesses, and local authorities to charge up their vehicles whenever there is a need to do so. Furthermore, the Government plans to boost the number of electric cars on the roads since, out of the vehicles driven on the roads, only 0.17% are electric.

An analysis of the existing charging network indicates that EV drivers are always around 25 miles nearer to a 50kW-plus charge point on any roads or motorways. DfT is now confident that an increase in the number of fast EV chargers on the targeted places and levels will meet future demand.

The Government plans to utilise different steps to bringing the vision to reality. The number-one strategy improves the residents’ access to the EV charging points. The infrastructure will be set at business premises, homes, and social gatherings like parks and worship centres. Additionally, it will also provide more Public EV charging points along main roads where access is easy.

On the same note, it will also encourage car parks and on-street charging in towns, villages, and cities across the country, with the view of constructing at least one charger for 1-in-every-3 EVs that cannot get a residential charging point. The newly built non-residential buildings featuring more than ten parking spaces have at least one charge point.

On the other hand, businesses and destinations provide various charging facilities to encourage and improve the overall customer experience. This means that by 2025, the private hire EVs in the urban centres should have extensive access to the charging facilities.

The Government will also boost the consumers’ confidence by allowing a contactless or app-based payment system. Such an approach will facilitate shorter queues and quicker transactions at the checkout. Consumers will not have the hassles of punching in their PIN after a refill. This tap-to-pay tech is not only secure but reliable, and will ensure consumers enjoy the services.

It will also provide consistent information about powering up EVs on main roads. They promise reliable, 24/7 customer care support for all EV drivers, creating more awareness of the upcoming infrastructure.

Lastly, all the charge points will be hassle-free and easy to use. The EV drivers will needn’t sign up to a supplier to pay, making the chargers at least 99% available for customers.

The minister of Economy, Ken Skates, commented that in the coming stages of the transport revolution, the ministry expects to see the removal of diesel and petrol cars and vans.

Establishing EV charging points throughout the country will significantly meet future demands. These include:

• It will provide convenience for EV owners while cutting their fuel costs.

• An upgraded infrastructure increases the use of EVs, which means a cleaner and greener environment and this will meet the Government’s goal on the “green industrial revolution.”

• The infrastructure will bring economic development, opening up more growth opportunities.

The Welsh Government confirmed that it would work in liaison with the various service operators to bring all these measures to eliminate range anxiety and help consumers adapt to the system early enough. The ongoing project has already brought forth multiple EV charge points across Wales, evidence that the future ahead is bright. This bold approach will improve the country’s economic state and ensure the environment is a better place to stay. It is a step towards broader ambitions of making the lives of drivers and passengers more comfortable and exciting.