Thanks to a new initiative by an Anglesey-based social enterprise, five community Electric Vehicle (EV) fast charging points have been installed across the island. Menter Môn, in partnership with Medrwn Môn and the Isle of Anglesey County Council have installed the points at community hubs as part of the Zap Môn project.
With the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans to be banned from 2030, the roll-out of fast chargers aims to give residents the option of going electric early. The new points are located at important community locations in Bryngwran, Llannerch-y-medd, Amlwch and Talwrn. It’s also hoped they will encourage people to spend time at those places and contribute to community prosperity.
Sioned Morgan Thomas, Project Director with Menter Môn explains: “As EVs become more viable and affordable, we’re delighted that we have been able to install these charge points across the island. EVs are seen as part of the solution to reducing our carbon emissions, and we were keen to help make sure that the infrastructure is in place on the island to support the transition from petrol and diesel to cleaner electric vehicles.
“So many of our projects at Menter Môn are focussed on developing and promoting renewable and clean energy – this project adds to this portfolio and reflects our vision for a greener and more sustainable future.”
Additional points are to be funded in the future across Anglesey as part of a wider agenda with the council and Medrwn Môn to promote greener transport – giving people the confidence to make the switch to EV.
Isle of Anglesey County Council Council Leader, Llinos Medi, is also portfolio holder for Economic Development, Leisure and Tourism, she said:
“We’re pleased to have worked with Menter Môn and partners to bring the fast chargers to Anglesey. All too often people are put off EVs because of the uncertainty of where and how they can be charged. With five new locations across the island and more to come in the future – this type of vehicle is becoming a more attractive option for people.”
Planning and Climate Change portfolio holder, Cllr Nicola Roberts, added: “These new community charge points will complement those recently unveiled by the County Council in its car parks at Holyhead, Amlwch, Menai Bridge and Llangefni. I have no doubt that the roll-out of sustainable charging infrastructure will make a major contribution to our efforts to improve carbon emissions and make EV charging affordable and accessible for people.”
The project has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government. It’s also part funded by the Isle of Anglesey Charitable Trust.