This in from the council, in their own words, Ed
The Isle of Wight Council is working with Hampshire County Council and Southern Electric (SSE) to install the point as part of a joint scheme using grant funding from the government’s Office for Low Emission Vehicles. The scheme will also see electric charging points installed in Hampshire and Oxfordshire.
Rapid charge points are the fastest available and can sufficiently charge a vehicle in twenty to thirty minutes.
The Isle of Wight charge point is located in Chapel Street car park, adjacent to Scarrots Lane, and has three different connector types, allowing for usage by a full range of different electric vehicles.
SSE is responsible for the installation and operation of all the charge points. The firm has indicated that the Chapel Street charge point will be ready for public use during October. The cost of using the charging point is yet to be finalised but any vehicle using the service will be entitled to free parking while it is charging.
Councillor Luisa Hillard, Executive member for sustainability, environment and public realm, said:
“With fossil fuels becoming more expensive, and with concerns regarding peak oil and climate change, electric-powered cars are becoming increasingly popular and affordable. It is therefore important that the Isle of Wight has accessible facilities where owners can charge their cars in a central location.
“This rapid charge point is another example of the council’s commitment to providing environmentally friendly schemes and facilities which promote low-carbon transport for our residents and visitors.”
Seán Woodward is executive member for economy, transport and environment at Hampshire County Council. He said:
“Hampshire County Council along with the Isle of Wight Council wants to make a contribution to the development of innovations aimed at cutting carbon emissions. Helping encourage greater use of electric vehicles is one way we can achieve this”.
“One of the barriers to people buying electric vehicles is easy access to quick and universal charging points. This new rapid charge point will be a good starting point in breaking this barrier down.”
The Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) describes itself as a team working across government to support the early market for ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEV). It is providing over £900 million to position the UK at the global forefront of ULEV development, manufacture and use.
Image: © Isle of Wight Council
