Electric Vehicle Charging Network in Cornwall Sees Continuous Growth

Cornwall’s local authority has stated that the quantity of electric vehicle (EV) chargers within the county is “improving all the time.” Martyn Alvey, Cornwall Council’s cabinet member for environment and climate change, commented that “More are coming online every day.” According to data from the EV charger application Zapmap, publicly accessible chargers in the county grew by 63% to exceed 750 units during the 12-month period concluding in September 2024. By 2030, Cornwall Council projects a requirement for between 2,600 and 3,900 fast and between 410 and 610 rapid public charge points. Tom Tubridy, a hybrid car owner residing in Truro, indicated that he had contemplated purchasing an electric vehicle but was apprehensive regarding its expense and the availability of charging infrastructure in Cornwall’s rural regions. He stated, “We were quite keen to move to something more sustainable with our car. But access to a charger, if you don’t have a driveway, is quite a limiting factor, as is the upfront cost of it. So, we went for a hybrid car as a stop gap solution.” Richard Roberts, a holidaymaker from Bedfordshire visiting Cornwall, mentioned completing his journey in an EV. He remarked, “In the two years I’ve had it there are far more chargers.” He further added, “I think you also really need to have a home charger, I come out in the morning and the car is charged.” A spokesperson for the Department for Transport affirmed that electric vehicles are instrumental in fostering a cleaner environment. The spokesperson stated, “We’re supporting drivers in the transition to zero emission vehicles. This includes a commitment to accelerating the rollout of public charge points – with more than 70,000 already in place across the country.”