As part of the delivery of the UK’s first Go Ultra Low City, Milton Keynes’ EV charging infrastructure is undergoing significant expansion
After being awarded £9 million as part of the government’s Go Ultra Low Cities programme in January 2016, the public charging network for electric vehicles (EVs) in Milton Keynes is set to undergo considerable expansion.
The council has issued leading provider Chargemaster with a contract worth £2.3 million to grow Milton Keynes’ EV charging infrastructure.
The funding will be used to create two EV charging hubs, with one located near Junction 14 of the M1 motorway, and ta second adjacent to the town’s shopping centre, The Centre:MK.
On-street charging points will increase access
An additional 50 public chargers will be installed at sports facilities, hotels, restaurants and other locations where motorists might leave their electric car for more than an hour. As many as 200 on-street charging units will also be installed for motorists without access to off-street parking.
“We were delighted to be chosen to be a part of the Go Ultra Low Cities programme earlier this year,” said Brian Matthews, Head of Transport Innovation at Milton Keynes Council.
“Chargemaster submitted a compelling and informative bid, which aligned with our goals. It could also demonstrate that the reliability of its network and the operational support it offers is second to none. We expect the first charging points to be rolled out in early 2017, making Milton Keynes an even better place to own an EV.”
A bright future as a Go Ultra Low City
The company already operates 170 standard and 56 rapid charging points in the town. As part of its involvement, charging points are also planned for the proposed EV Experience Centre, which is due to be launched at The Centre:MK next year. The facility is intended to educate shoppers on owning and operating an electric vehicle, with residents able to test drive a range of vehicles.
“We’re excited to be a part of Milton Keynes’ bright future as a Go Ultra Low City,” commented David Martell, CEO of Chargemaster. “The council has a vision to make the town a real showcase of what can be done to reduce emissions and increase air quality, for example. We are confident that our charging infrastructure proposal will help Milton Keynes realise these goals.”
Milton Keynes was one of four UK cities – alongside London, Nottingham and Bristol – to win a portion of the £40 million funding from the Go Ultra Low Cities programme in January this year. The scheme is led by the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV).
