Agenda item - Electric vehicle charge point installation update

Report of the Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Culture

1)           That Committee notes progress with the installation and commissioning of lamp post chargers, fast chargers and on street rapid charging hubs and the planned submission of further bids to the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles for funding for charge points

2)           That Committee notes the successful bid for Innovate UK funding to create model bookable disabled bay charge points and bookable public charging for fleet vehicles where the driver has no off-street parking.

3)           That Committee agrees to allocate eight car club bays at the four locations identified in this report for use by Electric Brighton CarShare Ltd, subject to the consideration of any objections to the Traffic Regulation Order.

4)           That Committee agrees to re-allocate the car club bay in Ewart Street from Enterprise Rent-A-Car to Electric Brighton CarShare Ltd.

5)           That Committee requests that officers work with UK Power Networks to identify a parcel or parcels of land close to the A27 trunk road suitable for inviting commercial investment in a rapid or ultra-rapid charging station under a minimum 15-year lease and other terms agreed with Property & Design.

6)           That Committee notes that where possible new charge points installations will be placed on the carriageway to avoid pavement clutter.

37.1      The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Culture that updated Committee on progress in expanding the electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the city, and a successful new bid for funding. The report also responded to the deputation received by Electric Brighton CarShare Ltd requesting permission to set up a local not for profit electric car club. It proposes that officers work to identify parcels of land close to the A27 trunk road suitable as a long-term investment opportunity for a rapid charging station.

37.2      In response to questions and comment from Councillor Bagaeen, the Parking Strategy & Contracts Manager explained that sector was very new and emerging and there were not many companies with experience of delivery. The risks were detailed in the report and the eight bays that would be transferred could be reconverted or given to other car club companies if any issues arose. The Lawyer stated that the company was incorporated and a legal entity so there were no legal issues in relation to that specific matter.

37.3      In response to a query from Councillor Wilkinson, the Parking Strategy & Contracts Manager stated that delivering on the significant demand for electric charging points was a challenge and officers would continue to apply for funding to deliver those.

37.4      In response to a question from Councillor Nemeth, the Parking Strategy & Contracts Manager explained that the parcel of land required was approximately ¼ of an acre and no specific site had been identified as yet.

37.5      RESOLVED-

1)             That Committee notes progress with the installation and commissioning of lamp post chargers, fast chargers and on street rapid charging hubs and the planned submission of further bids to the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles for funding for charge points

2)             That Committee notes the successful bid for Innovate UK funding to create model bookable disabled bay charge points and bookable public charging for fleet vehicles where the driver has no off-street parking.

3)             That Committee agrees to allocate eight car club bays at the four locations identified in this report for use by Electric Brighton CarShare Ltd, subject to the consideration of any objections to the Traffic Regulation Order.

4)             That Committee agrees to re-allocate the car club bay in Ewart Street from Enterprise Rent-A-Car to Electric Brighton CarShare Ltd.

5)             That Committee requests that officers work with UK Power Networks to identify a parcel or parcels of land close to the A27 trunk road suitable for inviting commercial investment in a rapid or ultra-rapid charging station under a minimum 15-year lease and other terms agreed with Property & Design.

6)             That Committee notes that where possible new charge points installations will be placed on the carriageway to avoid pavement clutter.