West Yorks scheme to promote electric vehicle usage hailed a success

A total of 85 electric chargers installed across the West Yorkshire region over the past two years have saved around 2,100 tonnes of Co2 from entering the atmosphere.

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority secured almost £2 million from the Government’s Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) in 2019 and appointed charging point supplier EQUANS to provide the chargers and encourage drivers in the region to make the switch from petrol and diesel.

Free charging at all charging points was offered for the first two years as further incentive for residents and business users, providing more than nine million free miles to over 10,000 registered drivers.

Recent data from the Department for Transport has suggested that since the scheme was introduced, the purchase of ultra-low emission vehicles in West Yorkshire has risen by 189%.  The region also now boasts the most rapid EV chargers across any county (excluding London); suggesting the scheme has raised awareness of low emission vehicles and promoted purchase.  

For every charging point installed, EQUANS delivered two bays – one which is specifically for taxis and private hire vehicles and the second for all other users. 

Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, leader of Bradford Council and chair of West Yorkshire Transport Committee, said: “Here in West Yorkshire, we’re committed to becoming a net zero carbon economy by 2038 at the latest, and installing electric vehicle charging points is one of the ways we will deliver on that promise. 

“We know one of the barriers to people making the switch to an electric car is knowing where they can charge their vehicles and I’m proud that our region has the highest number of rapid charging points outside of London.”

The charging points will continue to be free until the end of October after they will become part of the GeniePoint network. EQUANS is on track to deliver a further 15 charging points across West Yorkshire over the next couple of weeks.

EVs: industry challenges over the next 12 months

Fleet News continues its focus on EVs with a roundtable dedicated to the topic: 

Date: 20/10/2021

Venue: Worsley Park Marriott Hotel & Country Club M28 2QT

Sponsored by Chargepoint

This roundtable is aimed at fleet decision makers who run 100+ fleets. It is free of charge to attend and offers a unique opportunity to discuss key issues and share best practice with a small number of your peers that run fleets. 

More information: hayley.bradshaw@bauermedia.co.uk