EV charging hub cash is approved
Solar power will aid ‘green’ travel
Councillors have agreed the funding for an electric vehicle charging initiative in Stirling likely to cost more than £1.5 million.
The Castleview green energy hub scheme, which is expected to be completed by December 2019, will see solar canopies cover 360 car parking bays to generate and store energy for the smart charging of 22 electric vehicles and e-bikes.
It is expected to cost in the region of £1.65 million, with 70 per cent of the total secured from Transport Scotland’s Low Carbon Transport and Travel Fund. The council will provide the rest of the investment – around £496,000.
Officials expect the scheme to provide a return of just over £5.76 million over a 25-year period, based on assumed Electronic Vehicle (EV) uptake.
Number of EV cars in Scotland is projected to rise by 30 per cent every year up until 2032, when fossil fuelled cars and light vans in Scotland will be banned.
Finance and economy committee members also gave approval for officers to enter into a procurement process.
Excess stored energy from the scheme will be sold to the National Grid and/or external consumers, yielding revenue for the council.
Electric bike charging will be installed, along with modified travel links. Proposal also include charging infrastructure for an electric bus option in the future.
Officers added: “The EV charging infrastructure will see the progressive development of chargers at the facility to cater for projected demand. Ultimately the site will cater for 40 slow chargers, 18 fast chargers and nine rapid chargers. Slow chargers will cater for park and rider commuters charging for approximately eight hours, fast chargers will cater for two- to threehour shoppers, and rapid chargers will cater for 20 minute travellers.”
Scottish Government ministers have identified development of charging points along the A9 as a key national project, and the Castleview Park and Ride site is seen as a critical location for developing significant EV charging facilities.
Committee convener Councillor Margaret Brisley said: “Stirling council’s vision is for the city region to align with the most successful cities across the globe by becoming a lead in progressive sustainable development. This exciting, forward-thinking initiative puts Stirling at the forefront of the low carbon revolution and will encourage more drivers to go electric.”
Vice convener Councillor Alison Laurie added: “Electric vehicles are the future and the absence of an EV charging infrastructure across Stirling would inevitably impact on transport systems and people’s ability to travel to and from Stirling.”
Tory councillor for Stirling North Ross Oxburgh, welcomed the project but added: “I expect the council to make use of all possible funding sources and that includes the money available from the UK Government.”