EV charging points installed at Cambridge car park
Cambridge’s charging network has been given a boost with the opening of 15 publicly accessible charging points.
The bays mark the first of hundreds to be installed at Cambridge City Council car parks in the coming years.
More than 600 new EV charging points will be installed at 14 car parks in the city in partnership with Connected Kerb.
Chris Pateman-Jones, CEO of Connected Kerb, said: “We want to make charging as hassle-free as possible for EV drivers who live in Cambridge and visit the city.
“This project will offer a real chance to improve EV uptake, improve local air quality and allow anyone who needs to charge their vehicle the chance to just plug in and get on with the rest of their day.”
The new EV charging points at the Adam and Eve car park were switched on during a special event attended by Cambridge mayor Cllr Jenny Gawthrope-Wood and Connected Kerb’s brand ambassador, former Great Britain rugby league international Martin Offiah MBE.
Cllr Katie Thornburrow, executive councillor for planning, building control and infrastructure, said: “We want to help make it as easy as possible for people to charge their cars or make the switch to electric vehicles to help with the city’s goal of being net zero by 2030.”
The programme aims to make it easier for people to charge their vehicles, with free parking available for anyone doing so overnight between 6pm and 8am.
The programme is part of the council’s climate change strategy 2021-2026, which details how it is tackling the climate crisis by working to reduce its own direct emissions to net zero carbon and by working with partners and communities towards the vision of a net zero Cambridge by 2030.
Another 55 charging points have been installed and will be ready for use soon at Arbury Court (12 chargers), Campkin Road (12), Castle Hill (23) and Gwydir Street (8). Queen Anne Terrace car park is also in the process of having 39 chargers installed as part of the first phase of the deployment plan.
Under the terms of the innovative long-term partnership with Connected Kerb, the installation of new infrastructure will be at no overall cost to the public purse.
Cllr Rosy Moore, executive councillor for climate action and environment, said: “Our ambitious, long-term partnership with Connected Kerb is a really cost-effective way for the council to provide these new facilities, and as more chargers come online they will be another significant milestone for our urgent, ongoing work to tackle the climate crisis, reduce emissions and make Cambridge a cleaner, greener city.”
