Rising energy prices 'will not slow down rapid EV charging network'
The first of the newest style on-street electric car chargers are now live in Exeter
The consortium behind plans to roll-out rapid on-street electric car charging in Devon say rising energy prices will not slow progress - but admit prices at the 'plugs' could rise.
The first eight new-style rapid on-street chargers have gone live in Exeter, and Greatest Hits Radio understands 50 are expected to be completed across Exeter and East Devon in the next six months.
Eventually 100 are planned, with the consortium behind them afterwards planning to consider the different types of chargers available - after critics raised concerns about the on-pavement charging systems currently being rolled out.
Jose Contreras is from Gamma/Wenea energy, which is part of the Rapid Charging Devon consortium, and says energy prices 'at the plugs' will likely rise in response to skyrocketing worldwide energy prices
In March we reported on how the previous rapid chargers - which looked like giant iPods - were being replaced because of a technical issue with their design.
Last year we looked in detail at the EV network roll out being supported by Devon County Council
Last year we asked if pavements were the best place for the new chargers?
Active Travel campaigner Dan Grey doesn't believe the latest designs are the best fit in urban areas
A spokesperson for Devon County Council confirmed: "We have updated our design guidance in response to public feedback and on wider pavements increased the distance between the chargepoint and the back of the pavement or any other street furniture by a third to 1.8metres.
"If a pavement is too narrow to accommodate this, then we will ‘build out’ into the road.
"We believe this strikes the right balance between the needs of pedestrians and residents requiring parking near their home."