HAMPSHIRE County Council plans to work with partners to boost the number of electric vehicle charging points across the county.

Currently, the council manages 14 charging points, and is looking to use grants and investment funds to support further expansion of the charging network at its public sites and car parks.

Councillor Mel Kendal, the member for economic development, said: “The market for electric vehicles is growing, with more than 88,000 new electric or hybrid vehicles registered in the UK in 2016 – compared to 36,000, in 2013.

“However, more support is needed to accelerate this growth which is why we are looking to work with others to expand the public charging point network.

“This would give drivers the confidence that they’ll never be far from a charge point in Hampshire. Furthermore, it will help reduce carbon emissions, and help residents to travel to our sites such as country parks and car parks, as well as provide a network for the council’s own vehicles, to reduce our vehicle fuel costs.”

County council figures show it has cut carbon dioxide emissions by 35.8 per cent compared to 2010 figures, and is on track to reach its 40 per cent savings target by 2025 - with the ultimate aim of being carbon neutral by 2050.

The council says the reduction in carbon emissions has saved it around £2.9million with a further £200,000 carbon tax savings a year.

A consultation is being launched to identify the best sites for new charging points. Companies interested in working with the council can email procurement.support@ hants.gov.uk

Seven rapid charge points have been installed needing a half-hour charge at Farnborough, Winchester, Fareham, Andover, Ringwod, Romsey and Newport (Isle of Wight).

Another six charge points needing three to four hours charging have also been installed at Petersfield, Basingstoke, Farnborough, Gosport, and two in Winchester.

• Across the border in Surrey, the county council has been involved in a partnership which has installed five rapid EV chargers at the following locations:–

• Vines BMW in Guildford (open to non-BMW drivers)

• Frimley Park Hospital in Frimley x 2

• Hollyhedge Carpark in Cobham

•Reigate Hill car park (Just off the M25)

The council has installed a further three fast EV charge points on-street in uildford on Dapdune Rd, Poltimore Rd and Walnut Tree Close.

All can be accessed by joining the Charge Your Car network.

Additional funding is now being sought to widen the roll out of EV chargepoints in Surrey through the Travel Smart group.

Twenty-two standard charge points are available at locations across West Sussex as part of the Energise Network.

They also provide an 80 per cent charge in around half an hour an dcan be found at:–

• The South Downs Centre in Midhurst

• Six Bells car park in Billingshurst

• Storrington Library car park

• Pease Pottage service station

• Crawley Town Hall.

Find sites in neighbouring counties at www.energisenet work.co.uk