Decision details

The Council are therefore requested to decide on the procurement of a chargepoint operator that will invest in and deliver the proposed chargepoint network, and manage this contract (estimated value £150m) for a contracted period, whilst meeting the funding objectives.

6.1       The Cabinet considered a report by the Director of Communities, Economy and Transport.

6.2       It was RESOLVED to:

1)         Approve the County Council’s plan to support the implementation and delivery of proposed EV infrastructure;

2)         Approve the procurement of a network operator to support the delivery and operation of EV infrastructure; and

3)         Delegate authority to the Director of Communities Economy and Transport to take any action they consider appropriate to give effect to the above recommendations, including, but not limited to, approving the outcome of the procurement process and the award of the contract, and agreeing the terms of and authorising the Council to enter into any agreements necessary for the delivery of the proposed EV infrastructure.

Reasons

6.3       Electric Vehicles (EV) will be the main alternative to combustion engine cars and small vans with the Government’s commitment to ban the sale of new diesel and petrol vehicles from 2035. This will contribute towards achieving the national and Council target of net zero carbon by 2050 through a major reduction in transport emissions as well as supports several key County Council priorities such as maintaining and improving social inclusion, health, and wellbeing, whilst supporting and safeguarding current and future economic needs.

6.4       The County Council has successfully secured £4.441m of Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) funding which is dedicated to facilitating the implementation of on-street EV charging infrastructure throughout the county. The initiative aims to establish a comprehensive and fit for purpose network of both slow and fast chargepoints in residential areas in locations that have been informed through close collaboration with our Borough and District Councils.