Shell has unveiled ambitions to install 50,000 on-street electric vehicle (EV) chargers by the end of 2025 through its recently acquired subsidiary Ubitricity.
According to recent figures from the English Housing Survey more than 60 per cent of households in English cities and urban areas do not have off-street parking – this rises to 68 per cent for people living in social housing.
The company says it aims to create more availability for drivers without private parking, as well as help local authorities get their charging networks up-and-running as quickly as possible.
To date there are around 3,600 Ubitricity chargers already in place in the UK using existing street infrastructure such as lamp posts and bollards.
In order to hit its target of 50,000 by year end 2025, Shell says it will support local authorities in meeting 25 per cent of the cost of installing on street chargers.
Currently, the government’s Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) meets 75 per cent of the cost of installation. Shell said for local authorities looking to install Ubitricity charge posts, it is prepared to cover the remaining costs.
A spokesperson told Utility Week this offer would be subject to commercial terms including elements such as the number of chargepoints, the length of the contract, ongoing maintenance and operation, access to the charger, and location selection.
Terms will depend on the current and expected demand in each area, as well as the anticipated installation costs following site surveys.
David Bunch, Shell’s UK country chair, said: “It’s vital to speed up the pace of EV charger installation across the UK and this aim and financing offer is designed to help achieve that.
“Whether at home, at work or on-the-go, we want to give drivers across the UK accessible EV charging options, so that more drivers can switch to electric.”
Transport minister Rachel Maclean added: “Together with industry and local authorities, we can create cleaner, greener local communities – providing EV chargepoints for people without off-street parking across the country.
“As more and more people make the switch to electric, this is a great example of how private investment is being used alongside government support to ensure that our EV infrastructure is fit for the future. This is crucial as we build back greener and accelerate towards COP26.”