Bristol’s EV charging boosted by 150 new on-street charge points

Bristol residents are set to benefit from 150 new EV charging points, providing better access for EV drivers, and a step forward in encouraging people to make the switch to a cleaner, more sustainable way of travel.

The new on-street EV charging points have been installed at the base of upgraded lampposts at sites selected in areas of Bristol where there are low numbers of driveways, to give people without off-street parking access to charging points for their electric vehicles.

Now installed, the chargers are available for public use with simple instructions next to the charge point. Detailed instructions on how to use it and the price will be clearly displayed on the Fuuse app which also includes the locations of the EV charge points.

The lampposts were upgraded last year in preparation for the chargers, which has allowed the charger installation process to be quick and straightforward, and usually completed within a few hours.

Works have been delivered in partnership with Ameresco and Bristol City Leap, supporting Bristol’s wider commitment to clean energy, reduced emissions, and improved access to EV charging for residents.

Councillor Ed Plowden, Chair of the Transport and Connectivity Committee, said:

“The new lamppost chargers are part of Bristol’s ongoing ambition to reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, and make it easier for residents to switch to low emission vehicles. Through the Bristol City Leap partnership with Ameresco, the city is investing in accessible, reliable on street charging to help support these long term goals.”

Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said:

“Green electric buses are already making a difference across the West, cutting pollution and improving journeys – with more on the way. Our new Transport Vision sets out the direction of travel for our region, including increasing the number of chargers to support the growing number of other electric vehicles. These 150 new charging points through lampposts are a useful step forward for people in Bristol as we work together to deliver our wider transport ambitions, with almost £500,000 more funding already secured to enable all of our councils to enhance charging facilities.”

The lamppost chargers are designed to fit into the street environment while providing convenient access for residents, especially those without off-street parking.

The chargers being installed are slow CityEV 3.4kW chargers, designed for overnight use. The new chargers complement the existing network of council and privately owned chargers which provide fast and rapid charging.

The project is funded by The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority Green Recovery Fund and Office For Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) on-street residential charge point scheme (ORCS).

Original press release by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority