A recent council report highlights the urgent need for a significant expansion of public electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in Cornwall. The county currently boasts 408 publicly accessible charge points, but the demand is expected to soar in the coming years.

EV Adoption on the Rise in Cornwall

By 2030, Cornwall could see between 3,010 and 4,510 charging points required to meet the growing number of electric vehicles on the road. The report also predicts that nearly a quarter of Cornwall's residents may be driving electric vehicles by 2030, a substantial increase from the current 2.4%.

Council Calls for More Charging Infrastructure

Councillor Martyn Alvey, Cornwall Council's Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, emphasised the importance of addressing this growing need:

"More and more people are going to be driving electric cars, we need to make sure they've got somewhere to charge them. Some of us have the luxury of being able to charge at home, but others do not. We know they will need be able to charge at public charging points or on-street and we need to put those chargers in the right places for them".

EV Charging Essential for Cornwall Tourism

With the UK witnessing a surge in electric vehicle ownership, Cornwall's tourism industry must also adapt to meet the needs of these drivers. As visitors from across the country explore the county's stunning landscapes and attractions, they will require a reliable network of charging points.

The private sector is expected to play a significant role in delivering the required charging points, complementing the council's efforts. A similar consultation is underway in Plymouth.

Government Mandate Drives EV Adoption

The government's zero-emission vehicle mandate, which requires a substantial increase in the sale of electric vehicles, further underscores the urgency of expanding charging infrastructure. While the ban on new diesel and petrol cars has been delayed to 2035, the transition to electric vehicles remains a key priority.