Electric Vehicle infrastructure moving forward
Manx Utilities is moving forward with the installation of its electric vehicle charging network. The organisation is committed to supporting the increased use of low emission surface transport on the Island and delivering on its commitment to Isle of Man Government’s Climate Change Action Plan 2050 to net zero carbon emissions for 2050.
There are now approximately 400 all-electric vehicles registered on the Island and Manx Utilities is well on its way to ensure that the European Union target of one public available charging point per 10 electric vehicles is achieved. 37 charge points are currently available on the Island and a further 30 connections planned for Douglas Promenade alone, as part of the regeneration scheme in the capital. A 50kW rapid charge point is being progressed at the Sea Terminal to support visitors travelling on and off the island, as well as local drivers and businesses.
Last year Manx Utilities partnered with Pod Point to roll-out a public ‘pay as you go’ charging network. The Pod Point App enables users to check their charging history, see availability of charge points across the Island and pay for charges via a smartphone. Pod Point also provide 24/7 service support remotely of the public charging network.
To supplement the Manx Utilities network there are also over 20 additional private sockets provided for public use at various locations around the Isle of Man, including Jurby Motor Museum, Mountain View Innovation Centre, Mannin Hotel, Cycle 360, Ballavartyn Equestrian Centre, Isle of Man Food Park and South Quay.
Tim Baker MHK, Chairman of Manx Utilities said, “I am pleased the infrastructure roll-out is progressing rapidly. With some 25 new vehicle registrations for electric vehicles in the past two months alone, it is imperative that we ensure the infrastructure is in place to support those moving to cleaner transport choices. Climate Change remains very much top of the Agenda and despite the other challenges we face at this time, we must remain focused on supporting the delivery of net zero carbon emissions for 2050.”