Coventry and Warwickshire still on track for EV boom
New research from Midlands Connect suggests that Coventry and Warwickshire remains on track for an EV boom.
The region could see over 83,000 electric cars on its streets by the end of the decade, meaning that a significant increase in public EV charge points will be needed to keep up with demand.
Figures announced at Midlands Connect’s EV Conference suggest that Coventry and Warwickshire will see a 623% increase in uptake in electric vehicles by the end of 2030, rising from 11,552 EVs today to 83,518 on its roads by the end of 2030.
Estimates suggest that by 2030 the Midlands could be home to over 2 million EVs, with just under one in three (32.5%) vehicles being electric. To support this growing number of EVs, 58,997 new public EV charging points must be installed across the Midlands by the end of the decade. This means installing 27 new EVCPs every day, 194 per week, and 9,832 per year until the end of 2030.
The work is part of the Sub-national Transport Body’s efforts to support Local Authorities in increasing EV charger roll-out. In September 2023, it partnered with 14 Local Authorities for a total of £41.5mil of Government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund, accounting for ~62% of the regions £66.5mil funding.
Midlands Connect’s chief executive, Maria Machancoses, said: “It’s clear Coventry and Warwickshire is still on the brink of a boom in Electric Vehicles that could see more than 83,000 electric cars on its streets by the end of decade. Local Authorities across the Midlands are doing a great job to roll out charging points, but they cannot do this alone. We’re already working with Local Authorities to support their work and help secure EV infrastructure funding from Government."
Warwickshire County Council is working closely with the county's District and Borough Councils to ensure that all EV infrastructure installed is fully aligned with their plans and will create a comprehensive, accessible and efficient charging network for all. To do this, the council needs the input of residents on where chargepoints are wanted and needed. Anyone can make a suggestion by visiting Request a new electric charging point – Warwickshire County Council
The Council is particularly interested in hearing about those areas where there is a high demand for electric vehicle charging, such as rural locations and residential streets with no off-street parking. Resident feedback will help the Council to identify areas where new charging points are most needed. It will then work with partners to install them in these areas. Many suggestions have been received already, but more will only strengthen this future rollout.