Latest electric vehicle rapid charger opens in city centre

The 100kW charger has two charge points allowing two vehicles to charge simultaneously and enables a car to fully charge in as little as 30 minutes.

The site in Livery Street forms part of a wider partnership between Birmingham City Council and ESB Energy to provide a public charging network for EV drivers throughout the city consisting of almost 200 fast and rapid chargers, with over two thirds already in operation.

It marks the completion of the city centre on-street network, with the next stage aiming to enable an easier transition to electric vehicle use and the further installation programme across public car parks, parks, leisure centres, park & ride and further highway deployment in local areas.

Rapid chargers (50kW – 100kW) can fully charge EVs in as little as 30 minutes, or ‘top up’ within 5-10 minutes.

ESB Energy, which delivers the programme, is continuing to install charge points at strategic locations across the entire Birmingham region. The installation of the network will be on a phased basis over the coming 18 months.

Cllr Majid Mahmood, cabinet member for environment and transport, said: "Using electric vehicles is vital in supporting our climate emergency commitment to cut carbon emissions, and a crucial part of our transport plan. However, people will only switch from petrol to electric if there is a comprehensive network of charging points across the city, as well as nationally. I'm really pleased to see the completion of the city centre on-street network and look forward to seeing the further roll-out of EV infrastructure in parks, train stations and the wider city."

Welcoming the announcement, John Byrne, Head of EV Solutions at ESB Energy, said: “The addition of this new site is a step forward in providing the necessary charging infrastructure to citizens of Birmingham and beyond. We have a great relationship with Birmingham City Council, and we know the huge benefit that EV infrastructure plays in helping build a sustainable future for cities. We look forward to continuing our long-term partnership with the council to support Birmingham by ensuring the public EV charging network is accessible and able to support demand.”

ENDS 

Note to editors

ESB Energy’s rapid EV chargers now accept contactless payment using a credit/debit card or smart device, providing fast and convenient charging for a seamless journey across Great Britain. There is no need to sign up, EV drivers can just tap and go, making the charging experience as simple as possible. All of the EV chargers use 100 per cent renewable energy acting as a boost to the city’s ambitions on the Route to Net Zero carbon emissions. 

These EV chargers are funded through a combination of the Government OZEV (Office for Zero Emission Vehicles) £2.929 million grant secured by the council to roll out a city-wide network of fast (22kW) and rapid (50kW - 100kW) charge points, and partnership funding from ESB Energy (the council’s procured EV Network Delivery Partner). 

You will find your nearest charger at esbenergy.co.uk/EV or on the EV Plug In App.