Agenda item

Briefing Note of the Director of Regeneration and Economy

The Business, Economy and Enterprise Scrutiny Board (3) received a briefing note and presentation that provided an update on the production of the Coventry Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Strategy that had recently been endorsed by the Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change under delegations agreed at Council on 6th December 2022 (their minute 83/22 referred) as part of the Coventry Transport Strategy. The Briefing Note detailed the Policies within the Strategy and the Appendices provided:  the Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Strategy; presentation slides; and the Equalities Impact Assessment.

UK Government mandated that all Local Highway Authorities should create an Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy. The Coventry Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (EVCI) Strategy was developed to set out the anticipated take-up of electric vehicles and the associated number of electric vehicles chargepoints that would be needed. The Strategy formalised the Council’s plan for future chargepoint installations, including pilot schemes for gully channel charging and residential charging hubs. The EVCI Strategy, that would sit underneath the Coventry Transport Strategy approved and adopted at the meeting of Council on 6^th December 2022 (Council minute 83/22 referred), had recently been endorsed by the Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change under delegations agreed at the Council meeting.

In the 10-year lifetime of the Strategy, the number of hybrid and electric vehicles in Coventry was projected to increase from 4.42% to 49%. The projection was based on data including the likelihood to buy an Electric Vehicle, the anticipated uptake of electric vehicles, and government legislation on sales of petrol and diesel vehicles. This increase would require 1,686 chargepoints by 2035. The Local Authority already had 2,000+ chargepoints, but the Strategy identified expansion into other areas to serve different needs including pilot schemes of new technologies.

In considering the briefing note and the presentation by officers, the Board  discussed issues, asked questions and received responses on matters including:

·  Coventry’s early provision of infrastructure in readiness for the transition

·  The criteria requirements and costs relating to the installation of all  charger options.

·  The difference in charging rates for rapid charging which provided a full vehicle charge in an hour, and overnight charging that took longer to provide a full charge but was a less costly option. The City’s own charge points were a cheaper option than those located at petrol stations/garage forecourts.

·  Following Coventry’s initial installation of chargepoints, further funding was made available to the Authority to enable them to proceed with further installations, with some funding provided through the air quality grant.

·  Charging hubs, to be located mainly in car parks, were now the focus for current funding, along with rapid charging, triple charging and e-bike charging. Sites for the hubs were currently being identified.

·  Companies had indicated their interest in charging proposals on petrol station style charging areas

·  The use of roadside charging point parking bays was currently not restricted for use by vehicles wishing to use chargers only, however following the continuing increase in take-up of electric vehicles, this would be kept under review.

·  Installations were considered on a street-by-street basis and took into consideration on-street parking and vehicle charging needs.

·  Currently all residents had access to a charging point no more than four minutes away from their homes. Future proofing installations would ensure that there would be no barriers to residents accessing charging facilities.

·  The expected usage of newly installed charging points was considered as part of the Traffic Regulation Order, and any existing waiting restrictions were reviewed where new installations were proposed.

·  The on-going maintenance of equipment ensured continued operation and that there was no outdated infrastructure.

·  The possible opportunities for local employment, social value, and apprenticeships for Coventry residents, through the chargepoint operator’s contract

·  The location of residential charging hubs being installed as part of Local Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (LEVI) funding.

·  The locations of the pilot for pavement gully channels.

·  Although there were no plans for the Council to become a chargepoint operator, the Authority had overall control of the work undertaken including locations and types of chargepoints, it also had oversight of charging costs.

·  Upgrades to Sub-stations, driven by the receipt of applications, were chargeable and were the responsibility of National grid.

·  A pavement gully channel pilot scheme was underway for residential properties that had no parking provision on their premises. The scheme would be in operation for 18-months and the Council’s Highways Team would be consulted on the gully installations. Feedback on take-up and the performance of the gullies would influence future installations.

Members requested that the following information to be circulated to them:

•  Photographs of the piloted pavement gullies and details of their locations

•  Details of the locations of residential charging hubs (as part of LEVI)

•  Details of the clauses (if any) within the chargepoint operator’s contract about local employment, social value, and apprenticeships for Coventry residents

•  The price per kWh for charging at all types of chargepoints

RESOLVED that the Business, Economy and Enterprise Scrutiny Board (3):

1)  Notes the contents of the Briefing note and presentation.

2)  Had no further recommendations for the Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change.