Cenex to conduct electric vehicle charge point feasibility study in Northern Wales

Cenex – transport and energy not for profit consultancy – has been appointed by Cadwyn Clwyd, a Rural Development Agency, and Wrexham County Borough Council (WCBC), to determine the feasibility of installing electric charging points across the county of Wrexham. This 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.

Working with Cadwyn Clwyd and WCBC, who will provide expert local knowledge for the project, Cenex will explore options for charge point locations and network specifications.  It is hoped this work will promote the uptake of plug-in electric vehicles in and around Wrexham.

The study is due to take place from October 2017 to December 2017.  During this time, Cenex will utilise their in-house expertise and knowledge in infrastructure planning and procurement framework setting, to:

1. Identify the most suitable locations for the installation of charging points
2. Identify the most suitable type of charging point per location
3. Establish the suitability of using renewable technology for powering and charging of the charge points
4. Consider options for public access, and
5. Provide recommendations for the most cost-effective and most suitable charging points for areas across Wrexham County.

Adrian Vinsome, head of Energy Systems, Cenex said, “We are looking forward to working with Cadwyn Clwyd and WCBC, who have identified a core requirement across the area for increased electric vehicle charge points.  It is hoped this project will help to promote the uptake of electric vehicles in Wales. Cenex has conducted many infrastructure feasibility assessments for local authorities and has various tools to support this, for both the technical and economic sides of infrastructure assessment. We are pleased to be working with Cadwyn Clwyd and WCBC to help them identify the requirements of EV charging in the area, as well as identify the sites for these to be installed.”

Donna Hughes, business partnerships officer, Cadwyn Clwyd said, “We (WCBC and Cadwyn Clwyd) have identified that it is becoming increasingly necessary to provide greener infrastructure within Wrexham County, to meet the rising demand for electric vehicles.  This feasibility study is the first step in addressing the need for public use charging points, giving visitors and residents the confidence that they can travel to, and within the county.”