Electric vehicles in our area
Context
The decarbonisation of transport is a key component of the government’s Net Zero Strategy and its commitment to ban the sale of all new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030. This requires changes in the way we move around and the infrastructure we use when travelling.
Improving active travel and transitioning to electric vehicles will help to achieve this. These changes will make our towns and villages cleaner, more attractive places to live and work. We're keen to encourage the use of electric vehicles as a more environmentally friendly alternative to petrol and diesel.
Read more information on the types of electric and ultra-low emission vehicles.
Our strategy
We are committed to tackling the climate challenge and making our areas more sustainable. Our Sustainability Plan (PDF) recognises the significant benefits of electric vehicles, in particular the improvements to air quality and public health through the reduction of carbon emissions. The use of electric vehicles and the demand for charging provision is increasing, and we are keen to play our part.
In December 2023, we adopted our Central Bedfordshire Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy. This sets out our approach to support the delivery of a coordinated network of public charge points and charging infrastructure, focusing on providing local access to charging for residents who are unable to charge at home. This strategy provides the context for work in this space and outlines the scope of future projects to be delivered in partnership with private sector operators.
In January 2022, we started working with BP Pulse to roll out charge points across Central Bedfordshire. This covers fast and rapid charge points to build the public network and provide access to residential charging, delivered over several phases.