
Photo: WMCA
West Midlands expands EV charging network
31 January 2025
by Christopher Carey
The UK’s West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is boosting its electric vehicle (EV) charging network at three sites in the north, east and south of the city region.
When fully operational next year, each station will have 20 ultra-fast chargers adding 1,500 hours of charging capability for the region’s drivers each day, who will be able to power their vehicles with 160 kilometres of range in less than 15 minutes.
The scheme is part of the wider regeneration of the former GKN factory by developer Chancerygate, and also includes 270,000 square feet of commercial units for small businesses, which the authority says has the potential to create around 300 jobs.
“Delivering more ultra-fast charging stations is essential if we are to get more electric vehicles on our roads,” said Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands.
“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.”
Funding for the network is part of the region’s £1.3 billion (US$1.61 billion) City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) from the UK Government and is also supported by private investment.
Range anxiety
The authority says range anxiety – the fear that an EV won’t have sufficient energy to cover long journeys – is one of the main reasons that drivers and company bosses have been hesitant about switching from petrol and diesel vehicles.
The WMCA plans to expand the network of ultra-fast charging stations over the next two years with a view to putting 90 percent of residents and businesses within easy reach of a top-up.
The UK government has committed to phasing out new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 and hybrids by 2035.
Carmakers sold a record number of EVs in the UK last year, despite industry claims that the phase-out targets are unsustainable.
The number of new cars sold in the UK rose by 2.6 percent in 2024 to 1.95 million, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Of those, 19.6 percent were electric – up from 16.5 percent in 2023.
Image: WMCA