Manchester gears up for gigantic electric vehicle revolution

The electric vehicle (EV) revolution is surging ahead in Manchester as the City Council announces an ambitious plan to create an extensive network of public EV charging points.

With a focus on sustainability and eco-conscious transportation, Manchester is gearing up for a cleaner and greener future.

Partnership for Progress – Manchester Seeks EV Charging Operator

The Manchester City Council is actively seeking a charge point operator to collaborate on this transformative project.

Over the next two years, the selected operator will be responsible for supplying, installing, and managing up to 200 EV charging connectors throughout the city.

This partnership represents a crucial step in enhancing Manchester’s EV infrastructure.

Manchester’s Charging Point Strategy

Manchester City Council plans to leverage its existing assets, including Council-owned car parks and various facilities such as parks, leisure centres, and libraries.

These locations will serve as prime spots for the installation of EV charging points, making charging convenient and accessible for residents and visitors alike.

In addition, underused council-owned land parcels are being considered to further expand the charging network.

Investment for a Sustainable Future

A budget of £3.3 million has been allocated to this project, comprising £1.1 million from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority as part of the City Regional Transport Strategy, with an anticipated £2.2 million from the Government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund.

This funding will cover installation costs, while the charge point operator will contribute to the initiative, solidifying a collaborative effort to make EV charging more accessible and affordable.

Fueling Manchester’s EV Growth

As of April this year, Manchester boasted 155 commercially-operated EV charging points, accommodating around 300 connectors.

However, these numbers are set to multiply rapidly to meet the city’s surging demand.

By 2038, Manchester expects to have around 140,000 electric vehicles, representing an impressive 75% of all vehicles on its roads.

This growth aligns with the UK’s national ban on the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles, slated for 2030.

Driving Sustainability in Manchester

Councillor Tracey Rawlins, Executive Member for Environment, emphasises the role of electric vehicles in reducing carbon emissions to combat climate change.

Rawlins stated, “Electric vehicles have an important part to play in our efforts to improve public transport and encourage active travel options for shorter journeys.”

She acknowledges that while some residents have access to home chargers, 60% of the population relies on a robust public charging network to facilitate the transition to cleaner vehicles.

Rawlins further stated, “Our aim is to expand Manchester’s public EV charging infrastructure, building capacity and confidence until it becomes viable for commercial operators to take over and become the primary suppliers.”

Identifying Charging Point Locations

Manchester City Council is currently reviewing a list of more than 40 potential locations for public EV charging points.

The quest for a charge point operator to lead this Council-led scheme is slated to commence later this year.

The City Council’s Environment, Climate Change, and Neighborhoods scrutiny committee will receive an update on Manchester’s Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy on Thursday, September 7.

With these electrifying developments, Manchester is fast-tracking its position as a leader in the electric vehicle revolution.

As the EV market continues to gain momentum, Manchester is diligently preparing to provide its residents and visitors with accessible and efficient charging solutions, marking a significant milestone in the city’s journey toward a more sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation landscape.

Manchester is charging ahead into a brighter, greener future.