Sites secured for multimillion-pound EV infrastructure project

The West Midlands is set to supercharge its electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure with a new multimillion-pound network of ultra-fast charging stations.

Three sites have been secured by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) along routes in the north, east, and south of the region.

Outline planning permission has already been granted for the first location on Chester Road in Erdington, Birmingham.

The development is part of a larger regeneration project of the former GKN factory by developer Chancerygate, which will also include 270,000 sq ft of commercial units, potentially creating around 300 jobs.

Additional sites have been acquired on Bristol Road South in Longbridge, near the redevelopment of the former Rover West Works and Coventry Road in Sheldon.

Once operational next year, each station will feature 20 ultra-fast chargers, providing around 1,500 hours of charging capacity daily. Drivers will be able to add up to 100 miles of range in under 15 minutes.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands said: “Delivering more ultra-fast charging stations is essential if we are to get more electric vehicles on our roads. 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 multi-million-pound network is part of the region’s £1.3bn City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) from Government and is supported by private investment.