Alton takes the lead with new electric car chargers

Electric car drivers in Alton will be powering ahead thanks to the installation of two rapid chargers in a town car park.

The new chargers have been brought to Manor Car Park by East Hampshire District Council and ChargePoint Services, which provides an electric vehicle charging network across the country.

The machines are the latest in electric vehicle charging technology, giving drivers confidence that they can charge quickly and reliably during their journey.

EHDC has two electric vehicles for staff use, saving money on fuel.

Cllr Dean Phillips, an East Hampshire District Councillor for Alton, said: “I am delighted that we have these high-spec charge-points in Alton, so close to the High Street.

“The chargers work with all types of electric vehicles, are really easy to use and charge vehicles very quickly. The council is leading the way towards a low-carbon future, and we have reduced carbon emissions and running costs of our fleet by switching to 100 per cent electric vehicles”

Alton’s charge points join others already in East Hampshire, including in Central Car Park in Petersfield and Liphook Services on the A3, making it easier to driving an electric vehicle around the district.

The new chargers, part of ChargePoint Services’ GeniePoint Network, are proving to be a huge hit with electric car owners in East Hampshire.

The Petersfield charger has seen more use than any other GeniePoint charger in Hampshire, despite only being installed in February this year.

Alex Bamberg, managing director, ChargePoint Services, said: “ChargePoint Services is very pleased to be supporting EHDC in the roll-out of further charging facilities in East Hampshire. It is clear from the extremely steep increase in usage, that the public are waiting for rapid charging facilities to become available and are embracing the facility immediately it is installed.

“We are clear in our drive to provide the latest in charging technology to drivers, providing them with the essential service of fuelling their electric vehicles as a day-to-day requirement.”

Jane Devlin, EHDC Energy Strategy Manager, said: “We have seen the number of electric vehicles on the road increase considerably over the last couple of years and by working with ChargePoint Services we can make going electric much easier. With grants available for buying an electric vehicle, we expect to see this trend continue.”

The GeniePoint Network is continuing to grow across the UK. In Hampshire there are now a total of 19 with new chargers being installed in Chichester and Havant, and many more scheduled before the end of 2018.

Media Contact: Will Parsons, EHDC Communications Officer, 01730 234030

Photo caption: Cllr Dean Phillips and Jane Devlin, EHDC Energy Strategy Manager, with the new rapid electric car charger in Manor Car Park, Alton

Download hi-res photos here