West Sussex Expands Public EV Charging Infrastructure with 30 New On-Street Points, Bolstering Regional Network
Key Insights
West Sussex County Council, in collaboration with Connected Kerb, has approved the installation of 30 new on-street electric vehicle charging points across the region.
This expansion significantly enhances the existing West Sussex Chargepoint Network, which already comprises hundreds of public charging locations.
The new installations will include underground wiring, strategically preparing the infrastructure for future scaling and further network expansion.
This initiative underscores West Sussex's commitment to accelerating EV adoption and establishing a robust, accessible public charging ecosystem.
West Sussex County Council, in a strategic move to bolster regional electric vehicle infrastructure, has recently approved the installation of 30 additional on-street charging points. This expansion, a collaborative effort with district and borough councils and charging solutions provider Connected Kerb, marks a significant enhancement to the existing West Sussex Chargepoint Network, which already encompasses hundreds of public access sites across the county. The initiative underscores the region's commitment to accelerating EV adoption and supporting the UK's broader decarbonization objectives.
The decision follows a comprehensive county-wide consultation, identifying optimal locations for the new chargepoints. Connected Kerb, a key partner in this endeavor, brings its expertise in developing robust and accessible public charging solutions. Chris Pateman-Jones, CEO of Connected Kerb, emphasized the network's significance, stating, "This next phase is another important step towards building a cleaner, greener future for the county, giving drivers the confidence that reliable charging is never far away." He highlighted the West Sussex network as "one of the most ambitious and accessible public charging networks in the UK."
A notable technical aspect of the upcoming installations is the inclusion of additional underground wiring. This forward-thinking approach will streamline future expansions, allowing for more efficient and cost-effective scaling of the network as EV penetration continues to grow. This proactive infrastructure planning is crucial for accommodating the anticipated surge in electric vehicle ownership.
Joy Dennis, the county council's cabinet member for highways and transport, clarified that while the new charging points are being installed, no immediate changes to existing parking arrangements are proposed. Any future modifications to parking regulations would be subject to the standard public consultation processes, ensuring community input. This phased and consultative approach aims to integrate the new infrastructure seamlessly into urban and suburban environments. The continued investment in public charging infrastructure is vital for mitigating range anxiety, a key barrier to widespread EV adoption, and positions West Sussex as a frontrunner in developing comprehensive clean transport solutions.