Sheffield City Council is installing 48 new EV chargers in April under work to expand its infrastructure in partnership with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).

The 46 fast and two rapid chargers will join the existing chargers located in council car parks and on-street parking across the city

The new EV chargers are funded through the Government’s Getting Building Fund, secured by SYMCA, and will be operated by Blink Charging.

The chargers, which will comprise 46 fast and two rapid chargers, join the existing chargers located in council car parks and on-street parking across the city, bringing the total of council-operated chargers to 75. Sheffield is also actively looking for further opportunities to expand the network further.

Cllr Mazher Iqbal, co-chair of the Transport, Regeneration & Climate Committee, said: “We know that many people do not have access to off-street parking, and don’t have the option to charge their car at home. The addition of the new chargers will bring our total across Sheffield to 75, making it even easier for electric vehicle owners to conveniently access a charging point locally.

“Additional chargers will also reassure those looking to make the switch to a greener, cleaner vehicle – which is one the of best things we can do to reduce harmful pollution from transport, to make the air we all breathe cleaner and improve the health of local people.”

Alex Calnan, UK managing director of Blink Charging, said: “Providing carefully located rapid chargers enables efficient charging options to all drivers, whatever their driving habits. We are inspired by the collaborative approach the combined authorities are taking to implement local provision and clean air solutions across the region.”

Earlier this month, the council announced that it’s increasing prices for existing rapid chargers on its LiFe Network, operated by RAW Charging, as a result of rising energy costs.

Effective from Saturday 1 April 2023, the new tariff will increase the current price of 30p per kWh to 72p per kWh – which the council said would bring it in line with the national average price as seen with other providers for rapid EV charging points.

In addition to the tariff changes, the charge for overstaying the one-hour free parking time limit will rise from £10 to £20 (incl. VAT) to encourage drivers to free up the space for the next driver to come along.