Back in May 2022, News OnTheWight reported that the Isle of Wight council’s on-street Electric Vehicle Charging Point (EVCP) plans were way behind schedule.
Four months later and despite plans for ten new EVCPs, the only two fully operational on-street EVCPs are on Milligan Rd, Ryde and Wykeham Rd, Newport.
There are currently technical issues with the chargers at Seaview Road, Trinity Road and Adelaide Grove.
Continuous delays
News OnTheWight was originally told that the ten new on-street EVCPs would be working by the end of November 2021.
Then it was “sometime in the New Year”, then it was “we hope to have them operational during June 2022”.
The delays in getting the on-street EVCPs online, and others in car parks being out of action has led to continued frustration for residents and visitors.
Impact on a not-for-profit
News OnTheWight spoke to founder of the John Cattle’s Skateclub and Wight Trash, John Cattle about the issues he has faced. He explained,
“I don’t have a driveway so unfortunately charging from home is not an option and even if I did, as I have second-hand car I’m not eligible for a free home charger.
Having to leave car at work
The lack of EV charging on-street or in car parks has led to not only increased costs for John, but also time and inconvenience.
He’s often had to leave his car at work and catch the bus home, due to a lack of charging facilities on the Island.
John explained,
“I rely on my car to travel between training sessions around the Island – often to rural areas – carrying all the equipment that’s needed for the sessions.
“Heading for one of the charging points and finding it out of order means I can’t charge, impacting my ability to make a living.”
Cattle: It’s easily my favourite car ever
For those who might be suggesting John gets rid of his electric car and replaces it with petrol or diesel, John adds,
“I love my car, my music sounds amazing with no engine noise, and financially its great too. I don’t have to pay road tax and it’s so much cheaper to run and maintain.
“I’ve not had to have any mechanical work done over the six years I’ve had it, but it’s getting near to the point where – as there’s now less and less points to charge at – I’ll have to trade it in for a petrol or hybrid, which I really don’t want to do. Pretty frustrating.
“I went to Devon at the weekend. The longest journey I’ve done in it so far and it was bliss. Charge points everywhere and reliable with it.
“My electric car is my favourite car ever, easily. So much fun to drive.”
IWC: A pilot project allowing us to learn from the experience
News OnTheWight asked the council what was happening with the much-promised on-street EVCPs.
A spokesperson for IWC told News OnTheWight,
“This is a pilot project allowing us to learn from the experience with the expectation that future installations will be much quicker.
“The on-street chargepoint installations are complex with some 20 different processes which are often interrelated and involving a number of different companies. A delay in one can cause knock on effects and longer delays down the line.
“A number of factors have affected delivery, not least the COVID pandemic as well as the long lead times for grid connection — which are beyond our control — and a change in management arrangements following the sharp rise in electricity prices at the end of 2021.
“The first chargepoints went live in June 2022 and we are expecting eight of the on-street chargepoints to be operational later this year, with the remaining two sites completed by April 2023.
“We provide updated information on our Website.”
