Nine EV ‘filling stations’ will be located at key road-side locations right across the region, with two sites already identified, in Erdington and south-west Birmingham, and more in the pipeline.
When complete, each of the futuristic-looking stations will have 20 150+KW chargers that can power up cars and vans with 100 miles of range in just 15 minutes.
They will be either a ‘linear’ or ‘drum’ design depending on each individual site, with covered bays and alongside a convenience store or coffee shop.
Funding for the £48 million network is part of the region’s £1.3 billion City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) from government supported by private investment.
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the WMCA, said: “Decarbonising transport will not be possible unless we have the right infrastructure and it’s no secret that more EV chargers are needed.
“So, it’s fantastic news that we are now close to securing the first locations for our ultra rapid EV ‘filling stations’. Drivers will be able to use these stations to recharge their cars and larger vehicles in a matter of minutes.
“A huge amount of work by the WMCA, local authorities and the private sector is going into providing thousands of EV chargers right across our region. Together we are now starting to make tangible progress in helping local people and businesses continue the transition to zero emission vehicles.”
Cllr Mike Bird, WMCA portfolio lead for transport, and leader of Walsall Council, said: “The investment in nine super-fast EV charging stations is designed to make alternatives to petrol and diesel vehicles more convenient and affordable, making it easier for people to make that switch and support our net-zero ambitions.”
