Sites secured for ultra-fast EV charging stations

The region's electric vehicle charging capability is set to be powered up by a new network of EV ‘filling stations’ that can fully charge cars and vans in a matter of minutes.

The ultra-fast charging stations are to be built on three prominent sites that have been secured by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) along major routes in the north, east and south of the region.

Outline planning permission has just been give for the first site - on Chester Road in Erdington, Birmingham.

The scheme is part of the wider regeneration of the former GKN factory by developer Chancerygate, a scheme that also includes 270,000sq ft of commercial units for small businesses with the potential to create around 300 jobs.

A CGI of the electric vehicle charging station on Chester Road in Erdington. Image: West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

Land has also been acquired for an ultra-rapid charging station on Bristol Road South in Longbridge, Birmingham, just yards from the redevelopment underway on the site of the former Rover West Works.

A third site is on Coventry Road in Sheldon straddling the Solihull and Birmingham border near to the airport.

When fully operational next year, each will have 20 ultra-fast chargers adding 1,500 hours of charging capability every day for the region’s car and van drivers who will be able to power their vehicles with 100 miles or range in less than 15 minutes.

A carefully considered design includes prominent, covered, well-lit and generously sized parking bays together with an amenity store or coffee shop.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Delivering more ultra-fast charging stations is essential if we are to get more electric vehicles on our roads.

"These stations will give drivers and businesses 24/7 access to fast, reliable charging and the confidence to make the switch to electric vehicles. They will keep the West Midlands moving toward a cleaner, greener future where sustainable travel is practical, affordable, and accessible to everyone.”

The WMCA has plans to expand the network of ultra-fast charging stations over the next two years with a view to putting 90% of residents and businesses within easy reach of a top-up.

Range anxiety is one of the main reasons that drivers and company bosses have been hesitant about switching to electric vehicles with calls for the nation’s charging infrastructure to be ramped up.

The WMCA's network of ultra-fast stations has been conceived to help start addressing those concerns and support the region's green transport revolution under the #wm2041 plans to be net zero by 2041.

Funding for the multi-million-pound network is part of the region’s £1.3 billion City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) from Government and supported by private investment.

Landowners can put forward sites to be considered for development on the WMCA website.

A CGI of the electric vehicle charging station on Bristol Road South in Longbridge. Image: West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).