Shropshire Council has reported an increase in usage of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across the area.
Since February, it has recorded more than 1,100 charging sessions with usage increasing 80% by April.
The council reported more than 400 distinct users, with the number of people using chargers also doubling in the same period.
The total electricity usage amounts to around 5,226 road miles, marking a 1.5-tonne saving in carbon emissions.
In 2022, the council received £902,940 from the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV), with support also coming from the Energy Saving Trust, to install on-street chargepoints for locals.
Ian Nellins, cabinet member for climate change, environment and transport, Shropshire Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see the progress we are making with EV infrastructure in Shropshire and that it is being supported by drivers too.
“More EVs are coming to Shropshire’s roads every month and the numbers will continue to grow, further emphasising the need for Shropshire Council to continue with plans to deliver an EV charging infrastructure that meets the needs of residents and visitors
“…It’s so important we have EV chargers that are accessible to everyone, and not only to those people with off-road parking such as driveways or garages. I look forward to seeing these being installed in other areas in the near future.”
The OZEV grant has been allocated to communities with the largest number of plug-in vehicles on their roads, according to the council.
It is hoped that new installations will improve its national ranking for public chargepoint availability, and see it move from 65th to 11th place, putting it in the top three percent nationwide.
