Plans for 10,000 EV Charging Points Across West Midlands

The UK is set to significantly expand its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, with several regions launching major initiatives. In South Tyneside, plans for a new 12-bay EV charging hub at an old car sales site have been approved, aiming to support the national transition to electric vehicles while repurposing previously developed land. Kirklees Council, backed by a £2.5 million grant from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and additional private investment, will convert 148 parking bays across 20 car parks into EV charging points, expecting to install chargers at more than 20 locations by 2027. The Kirklees initiative is part of its broader ambition to achieve net zero by 2038 and targets areas lacking off-street parking to make EV adoption more accessible. Meanwhile, the West Midlands plans to install 10,000 additional roadside charging points, including nearly 200 ultra-fast charging stations, in an effort to combat range anxiety and strengthen the region's leadership in electrification. Local councils in these areas anticipate some loss in parking revenue but foresee long-term benefits from leasing arrangements and improved infrastructure. These combined efforts reflect a nationwide push to meet climate goals and facilitate the shift to ultra-low emission vehicles.