Decision details

Purpose of report: To formalise an electric vehicle charging strategy for City of York Council’s public charging network. The strategy will guide future development of the network which is anticipated to expand rapidly over the coming years in order to both meet the likely demand for EV charging and to support an accelerated uptake of EV’s in York.

The Executive will be asked to approve the EV Charging Strategy.

This item has been deferred to the 19 March 2020 Executive meeting to enable further detailed analysis of options taking into consideration the recent budget proposals.

Resolved:  (i)      That the EV Charging Strategy be approved for adoption.

Reason:     The Strategy is necessary to provide direction on future investments into the public charging network, and with the predicted growth in plug-in vehicle sales it is important to formalise the council’s approach ahead of investment decisions.

                   (ii)      That the ambition in the Strategy for a minimum of 5% of bays in council-owned car parks will be charging bays by 2023 be endorsed, noting that, based on initial costing estimates, this is expected to cost around £0.8m and that delivery will be subject to successful external funding bids, this being in addition to agreed budgets for Hyperhubs at Monks Cross and Poppleton Bar (£2.2m) and renewal of the existing charging estate (£0.25m).

Reason:     In order to assist with the acceleration of EV take-up and to ensure there is robust provision of EV charging points across the city and meet carbon reduction targets, 5% is consistent with current planning policy for developments.

                   (iii)     That the approach to bay management based on the recommendations of the Scrutiny Committee and set out in paragraphs 31-35 of the report be endorsed.

Reason:     To provide a fair system for charging and parking, prevent bay blocking and allow efficient management of car parks and charging bays.

                   (iv)    That a standard tariff of 20 p/k/Wh for Fast Chargers and 25 p/kWh for Rapid and Ultra Rapid chargers to agreed, to be reviewed on an annual basis as part of budget setting.

Reason:     To ensure a fair tariff for all residents and a sustainable approach to the council-managed EV charging estate.

                   (v)     That it be noted that officers will continue to explore options for on-street parking where viable.

Reason:     To ensure there is equal opportunity for all potential users.

                   (vi)    That it be noted that officers will explore options for EV taxi charging in the city centre.

Reason:     To assist taxi drivers to utilise EV.