Written question WQ82413
- Asked by
- Darren MillarConservative
- To be answered by
- Minister for Climate Change
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 9 days
Question
Will the Minister provide details of the Welsh Government’s plans to develop electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Wales, including the provision of rapid charging points, means of payment and locations on the trunk road and motorway network?
Answer
Answered by Deputy Minister for Climate Change
We published our Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy for Wales in March 2021. This will be followed in June 2021 by an Action Plan which will set out clear actions for us to improve charging infrastructure across Wales. It will focus on the needs and experiences of consumers, which will include payment methods.
In respect of rapid charging provision, work funded under the Ultra Low Emission Vehicle Transformation Fund (ULEVTF) is underway at Cross Hands on the A48 in providing a hub containing an ultra-rapid (150kW) and four rapid (50kW) chargepoints with scope for future expansion. Contractors have also been appointed by Transport for Wales (TfW) to deliver a pair of dual rapid (50kW) chargers at twelve locations across Wales. These projects are expected to be operational by Q4 this year.
Future provision is focussed on an energy forecourt model similar to Cross Hands, containing a mix of ultra-rapid and rapid chargepoints. Sites are currently being identified on the strategic road network throughout Wales. In alignment with feedback received during the consultation, these chargepoints will be specified against the latest protocols which allows the use of contactless payments and will be on or very close to the main roads. We will also seek to include facilities for users at these locations. Commercial models will allow the private sector to deliver the majority of funding, the focus is on ensuring that the network provides complete coverage to align with the vision of the strategy.
We are also investing over £8m through the £38m Ultra Low Emission Vehicle Transformation Fund (ULEVTF) for local authorities to roll out additional EV chargepoints in the financial year 2021/2022. Projects will be funded that provide charging facilities across the themes outlined in the strategy including focus on those without access to home charging provision. We also aim to incorporate renewable generation and energy storage where applicable. The fund also supports our ambitions for zero emission buses, taxis and private hire vehicles.