A Major Milestone for Electric Vehicle Charging
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, marked a significant leap forward in the UK’s electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure by inaugurating the largest electric vehicle charging site in the country.
Located at the NEC Campus in Birmingham, the Gigahub boasts the capacity to simultaneously charge 180 electric vehicles.
This momentous development represents a colossal private investment in the UK’s EV sector, amounting to £8 million, and is a collaborative effort between the NEC, EV Network (EVN), and bp pulse, now under bp pulse’s operation.
Unveiling the Gigahub: A Game-Changer
The Gigahub, a trailblazing initiative, strategically positions itself at the heart of the UK’s motorway network, including the M42, M46, and A45, alongside the forthcoming HS2 interchange station. It signifies a substantial step toward becoming a vital transport hub for the future.
Funding and Infrastructure Details
Funding for this landmark project, amounting to £8 million, has been provided by Zood Infrastructure Limited, making it the largest-ever private investment in a UK electric vehicle project. The Gigahub offers 30 super-fast 300kw DC charging bays and an additional 150 7KW a/c charging bays, constituting one of the largest clusters of super-fast chargers in a single location within the UK.
Supporting the Green Revolution
The Gigahub aligns seamlessly with the UK government’s commitment to decarbonizing transport and fostering electric vehicle adoption. As part of this strategy, over £2 billion has been allocated to facilitate the transition to zero-emission vehicles and accelerate the deployment of charging infrastructure.
The UK has already witnessed the installation of more than 45,500 publicly available electric vehicle charging devices, including over 8,600 rapid chargers.
Local Authorities Empowered to Electrify
In addition to the Gigahub inauguration, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced the availability of the first round of the Government’s £343 million Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Capital Fund.
Several local authorities across England, including the West Midlands Combined Authority, are eligible to apply for funding this year, ensuring that electric vehicle adoption reaches every corner of the nation, particularly for those without access to off-street parking.
A Vision for Local Charge Points
The LEVI fund will empower local authorities to establish tens of thousands of local charge points, democratizing access to electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The fund will be distributed in two phases, with the first group of authorities able to apply for their allocated funding starting this financial year.
A Pioneering Investment in Green Industries
During his visit to the West Midlands, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt convened a roundtable discussion with SMEs in the green industries sector. This gathering included representatives from leading green electric vehicle, energy, and manufacturing companies, underscoring the government’s commitment to fostering growth in key sectors, including green industries, as part of the UK’s economic strategy.
The Gigahub in Birmingham, accompanied by the launch of the LEVI fund, demonstrates the UK’s determination to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles and solidify its position as a leader in the green revolution. The investment in charging infrastructure will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of transportation and reducing carbon emissions.
Sources: THX News & HM Treasury.
