Lancashire Faces Eightfold Increase in Electric Vehicle Charging Demand

Lancashire County Council has indicated that the region will require an eightfold increase in electric vehicle charging points by the close of the decade. This projection is based on the expectation that over one-third of the cars and vans on the county’s roads will be fully electric or hybrid within the next six years. The council has calculated that an additional 6,665 charging stations will be necessary to meet the anticipated demand by 2030. In July, 817 such stations were operational. The council is currently investigating suitable locations for installing new charging points, particularly for motorists who do not possess driveways or garages. To assist these residents, special “cable trays” are being trialled, with 60 households participating. These trays enable residents without off-street parking to connect their vehicles to their home electricity supply via a cable that runs through a channel cut into the pavement. Mike Pickering, a volunteer motorist from Nelson, commented: “I live in a terraced street so this is the first scheme I have been able to use that is so local to me.” The 65-year-old also noted that using electric power was “eight times cheaper” and allowed him to charge his car overnight close to home. Another potential charging solution involves utilizing lampposts as charging points. However, Councillor Alan Cullens voiced concerns during a council transport meeting, fearing issues of anti-social behaviour regarding access to charging points near people’s homes, potentially leading to disputes among residents. Councillor Cullens further warned of potential “charging wars at public stations as well, because people are going to be driving around trying to find one that’s vacant”. Last year, the council was allocated £10.1 million from the government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure fund, intended for investment in new charging units.