Solihull takes further step towards being fully electric

Fifty-six electric vehicle (EV) charging bays have been switched on across the borough, marking the latest successful milestone in the Council’s EV charging infrastructure rollout.

The locations, which have been carefully selected based on where there is either current or expected future demand for EVs, offer residents without access to a driveway the opportunity to park and charge an EV near their home.

As part of the latest rollout, charging points have now been installed across the borough, including in Shirley, Knowle, Olton, Silhill, Blythe, Lyndon, Elmdon, Dorridge and Smiths Wood. 

The total number of 56 also includes 18 charging bays being switched back on in the north of the borough and six recently installed at the Council House, which are available to members of the public on evenings and weekends.

Councillor Andy Mackiewicz, Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, Planning & Housing, said:

“As electric vehicles start to become the ‘norm’, we want to play our part, as a council, in facilitating this transition. I’m thrilled that this latest rollout provides opportunities for residents to charge their electric vehicle locally and efficiently. Schemes like this are all about removing barriers to sustainable greener travel.”

Solihull Council is continuing to investigate demand for further EV charging points and how they can be rolled out to other parts of the borough in the future. If you are interested in more EV charging points coming to your area, please fill out the resident engagement survey here. Doing so will help the Council to understand better where there is demand for EV charging infrastructure.

Facilitating the widespread adoption of electric vehicles is a core part of the Council’s Electric Vehicle Strategy. The strategy forms part of the Council’s broader UK Central Solihull programme, delivering key infrastructure projects to support sustainable and inclusive growth across the borough.

Justin Meyer, Managing Director of SWARCO eVolt, said: “We are pleased to work with councils like Solihull who are committed to delivering reliable, convenient and affordable charging, and it is encouraging to see that the new charging points are already having a positive impact for EV drivers. 

“We hope the growing number of charging options across Solihull will give more and more people the confidence to choose electric and accelerate the transition to electric vehicles.”

To find your nearest charging point, head to Zap Map and type in your postcode.