New Forest District Council to expand EV charging

New Forest District Council (NFDC) is to expand the electric vehicle charging provision in the area, as part of its ambition to become carbon neutral by 2030 and carbon zero by 2050.

In October 2021, New Forest District Council (NFDC) declared a climate change and nature emergency. Developing and delivering infrastructure projects to provide sustainable transport options for New Forest is a key part of NFDC’s Planning, Regeneration and Infrastructure Portfolio. Its aim to review car parks across the district and investigate increasing the number of electric charging points was acknowledged in the ‘Community Matters Corporate Plan 2020-2024’.

EV charging company Mer and installer Joju Charging will be rolling out phase 2 of the charging project, having worked with NFDC for the last three years. Under Hampshire County Council’s Central Southern Region Framework (CSR), Mer installed its first fast chargers three years ago with Joju Charging, covering the main conurbations in the area. Phase 1 sites include Lymington, Ringwood, Hythe, New Milton, Brockenhurst and Totton.

Phase 2 of the project will see additional fast chargers installed at car parks in Beaulieu and New Milton, whilst a fast charger and rapid charger will be installed at two car parks in Milford on Sea.

Karl Anders, Managing Director at Mer UK, says, “Working with a Council like NFDC that is prioritising the planet by tackling climate change and driving EV adoption for residents is a promising step forward to meeting 2030 targets.”

David Hurd, Environmental Enforcement and Amenities Manager at New Forest District Council said, “The Council is pleased to be working with Mer and Joju to extend our EV charging provision. Not only will this make the EV transition easier, but it will also support our wider strategy for protecting our district from the degrading effects of climate change.”

Additionally, there will be a number of rapid chargers installed at the Furlong car park at Ringwood, which will accompany the two fast charging units already installed. There will be a 400kW power stack, serving eight charging bays. Mer is also planning a rapid hub site in Lymington.

Chas Warlow, Head of Sales (EV charging) at Joju Charging said, “We are delighted to have been contracted by New Forest Council to support their climate change strategy through the design and installation of this EV charging infrastructure. We hope it will further encourage the transition to electric vehicles.”