Will we get more EV charging points in the area?

Residents, businesses and visitors in Newtown, Welshpool and across Powys are being invited to help shape the future of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the county.

Powys County Council has launched a six-week consultation on its draft Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Infrastructure Strategy, which sets out plans to develop a countywide network of charging points to reduce carbon emissions and support the transition to electric vehicles.

The strategy aims to ensure charging infrastructure is fair, accessible and reliable across Powys, while recognising the unique challenges faced by rural communities.

Transport remains one of the largest sources of carbon emissions, and the council says the strategy will help prepare the county for increasing demand for electric vehicles while supporting residents, businesses and visitors.

Under the draft strategy, the council wants to develop a countywide network of charge points, take a demand-led approach to delivering infrastructure where it is most needed, support more people in switching to electric vehicles, and work with partners to secure funding for future projects.

The consultation comes as electric vehicle ownership continues to grow across Wales, with demand for public charging facilities increasing in towns such as Newtown and Welshpool, as well as in rural communities where access to charging can be more limited.

The council is also seeking views on the barriers people face when considering electric vehicles, including vehicle costs, the availability of charging infrastructure and the challenges associated with living in a large rural county.

Councillor Jackie Charlton, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys, said: “We know electric vehicles will play an important role in reducing carbon emissions, but we also recognise the unique challenges of a large, rural county like Powys.

“This strategy sets out how we can develop the right infrastructure in the right places to support our communities. Your feedback is vital, so we encourage everyone to take part in the consultation and share their views.”

The council wants to hear from residents, businesses, visitors and those who work or study in Powys to ensure the strategy reflects local needs and priorities.

The consultation is open until midnight on Sunday, 12 July.

People can take part online at: https://www.haveyoursaypowys.wales/ev-strategy-consultation 

Paper and Easy Read copies of the survey are also available from Powys libraries. Completed forms can be returned to library staff or emailed to haveyoursay@powys.gov.uk.