Welsh Government finally stepping up Electric Vehicle Charging Network plans following Plaid Cymru’s EV Campaign.

25/01/2019By: Rhys Hughes

Plaid Cymru AM for Ynys Môn Rhun ap Iorwerth has welcomed news that Welsh Government’s plans to develop a network of rapid chargers for Electric Vehicles are moving forward, following the Plaid AM’s prominent campaign to see the technology more readily adopted in across Wales.

A statement by Minister for Economy and Transport Ken Skates noted how Welsh Government recognises the need for more rapid chargers, especially in rural areas, and that officials are considering how best to invest the £2m Plaid Cymru secured as part of their budget deal towards the development of a rapid charging network, with procurement set to commence in the Spring.

Mr ap Iorwerth has led Plaid Cymru’s campaign for better adoption of EV technology, proposing legislation in the Assembly that would make charging points a part of future planning guidelines and regularly raising questions with Welsh Government.

Last year the Ynys Môn AM borrowed an EV to conduct his weekly Assembly business in a bid to demonstrate the challenges of owning an EV using the current infrastructure.

Mr ap Iorwerth said:

“This is another victory for Plaid Cymru, after we secured £2m towards the development of better EV infrastructure as part of our budget deal with Welsh Government. It is pleasing to see that developments regarding the implementation of a rapid charging network are moving forward.

“There is a lot of work to be done to see Wales get in the game with regards to EV infrastructure, but investing this £2m quickly and efficiently would be a positive first step and I look forward to hearing more from Welsh Government regarding their plans.

“As part of my campaign for better adoption of EV technology, I hope to be able to visit Scotland in the coming months – a country that has truly set the bar in terms of getting on board with the EV revolution.

“I hope to visit officials in Dundee, where EV technology is particularly prominent, and also Scottish Government Ministers in Edinburgh, to learn from their experiences whilst prioritising investment in EVs, and look forward to bringing my findings back to the Assembly to push this matter forward in Wales.”