Somerset West and Taunton Council is deploying further EV charge points in its car parks in partnership with Swarco eVolt.

The first phase of the council’s work will see twenty 22kW EV charge points deployed, serving 40 parking bays

The council’s Carbon Neutrality and Climate Resilience (CNCR) Action Plan aims to significantly reduce carbon emissions, including through an EV-focused strategy.

This strategy evidences and assesses different options with regards to delivering EV charge points and growing EV adoption in Somerset and makes a number of recommendations on actions for the councils to take.

The first phase of the council’s work will see twenty 22kW EV charge points deployed, serving 40 parking bays. These will be installed at 10 council-owned car parks, spread across Taunton, Wellington, Williton, Watchet, Minehead, Porlock and Wiveliscombe.

Cllr Dixie Darch, executive member for climate change, said: “We’re delighted to work with Swarco to add further electric vehicle charge points to our car parks and we hope this increases consumer confidence to convert to electric vehicles as a more sustainable method of travel.

“These additional charging points will help drivers of electric vehicles make longer, cleaner journeys and reduce the anxiety of potentially running out of power.”

Justin Meyer, managing director of Swarco eVolt, added: “We share Somerset West and Taunton Council’s commitment to a more sustainable future and are delighted to be its chosen partner in helping with the development of a multi-modal, reliable network that facilitates the transition towards zero-emission transport.”