The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has secured three sites along major routes for the development of DC charging hubs, each set to feature 20 chargers upon completion.
The new hubs are located on Chester Road in Erdington, Birmingham, Bristol Road South in Longbridge, Birmingham, and Coventry Road in Sheldon, near the airport. All three sites are expected to be operational by next year.
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The hubs are partially funded by the regionās Ā£1.3 billion City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) from the UK government, with additional funding from the private sector. Landowners can apply to host EV charging hubs through the WMCA website.
While specific technical details on the chargers remain unavailable, the WMCA has confirmed that the stations will enable EV drivers to recharge their vehicles with a range of 100 miles in under 15 minutes. The locations will be equipped with coverage, lighting, and amenities such as stores or coffee shops for convenience.
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Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, emphasized the importance of ultra-fast charging stations, stating, āDelivering more ultra-fast charging stations is essential if we are to get more electric vehicles on our roads. These stations will give drivers and businesses 24/7 access to fast, reliable charging and the confidence to make the switch to electric vehicles. They will keep the West Midlands moving toward a cleaner, greener future where sustainable travel is practical, affordable, and accessible to everyone.ā