Agenda item

The Head of Highways introduced the report on Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure Review: 12-month Update. An overview was provided on the implementation and condition of the Borough’s EV infrastructure, including the delivery model and progress. The Council's strategy recommended the installation of 300 EVCPs on/off-highway Council-owned property located around the Borough by 2030.

Members heard about the short-term goal to upgrade the existing infrastructure and add more charging points in some areas. Out of 46 planned charging points, 34 had been completed and the remaining 10 would be done in a few weeks. It was reported that there were also plans to install 14 ultra rapid charging points that could charge a vehicle in 15-20 minutes.

The Committee was advised that the medium-term goal was to expand the on-street charging network for residents who did not have off-street parking. The Council had secured funding from the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) to install 36 more sockets and had submitted a joint bid with six other boroughs for 1.2 million from the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEV) fund. Long term, the goal was to create a comprehensive and sustainable EV infrastructure that met the needs of the growing number of EV users and support the Council's climate change agenda. The Council aimed to achieve this by working with partners, engaging with stakeholders and monitoring the performance and impact of the EV network. The Head of Highways also noted the recommendations of the former select committee’s major review into the Borough’s EV infrastructure, which was approved by Cabinet in March 2022.

In terms of units in car parks and the availability of on street charging for people who parked cars outside their house, it was highlighted that officers were mapping out locations for EV charging units within a 5-minute walking distance for people without off-street parking. The Council was exploring on-street charging and had selected four  locations for phase two to trial this.

In response to queries about value for money and being more competitive in the market, it was reported that the Council set the charging cost for electric vehicles based on the energy and maintenance cost and benchmarking with other suppliers. There was a reduced cost for residents with a Hillingdon First card.

The Committee raised questions about how long the EV units would last and how often they would need to be replaced, given the fast-changing technology. It was explained that EV units could be upgraded with software updates to keep up with the new technology, and that the hardware would not need to be changed. The Council was trying to increase the capacity of the EV units by installing higher kilowatt units in phase two, although it was noted that there were challenges with obtaining electricity supply from suppliers.

The challenges of EV charging infrastructure were highlighted and it was noted that phase one was a quick fix to meet the residents' demand, and that phase two would use 22 kilowatt units. Members were informed that grid operators were also resistant for the Council to install higher spec units as they wanted to leave that market for suppliers. It was noted that the Council was using the Oxford model  for on-street parking and applications were being made for the Low Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Fund (LEVIF) to support more EV charging project. Although the Council did not want to miss the opportunity to benefit from the EV market, considerations such as grid capacity and supplier interests had to be factored in.

In terms of the progress of mapping for on-street charging infrastructure, it was explained that various councils and organisations were helping the government with data. As part of that data collection, information had been put together using the data available  and any identified needs. Members heard that the development of the Council’s fleet and how EV infrastructure could be used was being explored.

Although there was a ZAP map where people could see all EV units, Members considered that it would be helpful to have a dedicated section on the website to advise people where charging units were based.

The Committee requested information about monitoring and usage in future reporting.

Members thanked officers for the good, interesting and balanced approach.

RESOLVED: That the Committee noted the contents of the report.