A pioneering project between the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Equans has delivered 85 EV chargers across the region – said to be the highest number of rapid chargers for any UK county, bar London.

The charge points across Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds, and Wakefield have since provided more than nine million free miles to more than 10,000 registered drivers

The partnership started two years ago after the West Yorkshire Combined Authority secured almost £2m from the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) in 2019. Equans – the new branding for Engie’s services-led activities – was subsequently appointed to accelerate the provision of EV chargers and encourage drivers in the region to make the switch from petrol and diesel.

To support the increase of EV uptake within the region, Equans provided free charging at all charging points for the first two years. The charge points across Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds, and Wakefield have since provided more than nine million free miles to more than 10,000 registered drivers.

They’ve enabled drivers to save 2,164 tonnes of CO2 and dispensed 2.7 million kilowatt hours of green energy – enough to power a typical EV around the planet 380 times.

Dee Humphries, managing director of EV Solutions at Equans UK & Ireland, said: “Equans is passionate about succeeding in the mission to reduce emissions and so we were delighted to be in a position where we could actively invest in the scheme and provide free miles as further incentive.

“The West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s bold ambition should be a driving force for other local authorities across the country who are looking to protect the health of their residents and work towards a carbon neutral future.”

Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council and Chair of West Yorkshire Transport Committee, said: “We know one of the barriers to people making the switch to an electric car is knowing where they can charge their vehicles and I’m proud that our region has the highest number of rapid charging points outside of London.

“But there are many other obstacles and that’s why we’re continuing to call on the Government to go further.”

The charging points will continue to be free until 29 October 2021, when they will become part of the GeniePoint network and will continue to be owned and operated by Equans. They’re also being imminently joined by a further 15 chargers.