Summary
- Upgrade to Isle of Man’s electric vehicle charging point network with 133 new stations
- Program to start in October by government-owned Manx Utilities (MU)
- Majority of existing 7kW charge points to be upgraded to 22kW units for faster vehicle charging
- Expected compensation to assist with costs of installing new charging points
- Project aims to support growing number of EV drivers and contribute to a more sustainable future
Article
The Isle of Man is undergoing a £100,000 upgrade to its electric vehicle charging network, with 133 charging points set to be replaced across the island. The upgrade is being carried out by government-owned Manx Utilities (MU) in response to the departure of UK provider Pod Points from the market. The current charging points are available in public car parks around the island, with rapid chargers already in place at various locations. The majority of existing 7kW charge points will be upgraded to 22kW units, allowing for faster vehicle charging and better accommodation of the growing number of electric vehicles on the road.
The upgrade is expected to support the growing number of electric vehicle drivers on the Isle of Man and contribute to a more efficient, sustainable future for all. Over the past year, the number of vehicle registrations using the service has grown to 1,377, and the service has provided 1,479,229 miles (2,380,588km) of travel. MU chairman John Wannenburgh MHK emphasized the importance of continually updating critical infrastructure like electric vehicle charging points for the benefit of the Isle of Man, stating that it is a necessity rather than a luxury. He also mentioned the possibility of receiving compensation to assist with the costs of installing new charging points following Pod Points’ exit from the market.
The three-month programme to upgrade the charging points is set to begin in October and will start at MU’s Ballacottier headquarters, the Comis Hotel, and on Loch Promenade. While the rapid chargers already in place at the Sea Terminal and Tesco stores in Peel, Port Erin, and Ramsey will not be replaced, they will be integrated into the new platform. MU assured that the change will maintain and significantly enhance the quality and capacity of the charging stations to meet the needs of the growing number of electric vehicle drivers on the island. The upgrade is seen as an opportunity to offer an enhanced experience and promote a more sustainable way of transportation for the future.
Mr. Wannenburgh highlighted the importance of continuously updating critical infrastructure like electric vehicle charging points for the benefit of the Isle of Man. He emphasized that such infrastructure is not just a luxury but a necessity that must be continually improved to meet the needs of the growing number of electric vehicle drivers on the island. The upgrade is expected to support a more efficient and sustainable future for all residents and visitors to the Isle of Man. MU assured that the upgrade will provide faster vehicle charging and better accommodation of the increasing number of electric vehicles on the road, reflecting a commitment to promoting environmentally friendly transportation options. The project is seen as a significant step towards a more sustainable future for the Isle of Man.
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