Installation of a new network of rapid charging points for electric vehicles (EVs) is underway in Poole, Bournemouth and Dorset.

Over the next 10 weeks, the ChargerNet partnership will install 18 EV chargers benefiting electric car drivers who live, or work in the region as well as those visiting the areas. There will be five rapid chargers installed in Poole with a further five in Bournemouth and eight in Dorset.

Rapid chargers extend the range of electric vehicles by recharging them in less than 40 minutes, compared to the 4-8 hours it usually takes to charge at home, allowing people to continue with their journeys and businesses to keep their electric vehicles on the roads all day.

Seven chargers are currently being installed, with the first charger at Poole’s Civic Centre pay and display car park already available for use. There is a small charge of £4 for using these EV rapid chargers. Drivers can join the Charge Your Car scheme or pay by phone or Charge Your Car app.

It will take approximately one week to prepare the electricity supply and install the charger unit at each of the remaining sites.

It is anticipated that the rest of the chargers will be available in April and May in the following locations:

Poole

  • Ashley Road, Poole
  • Old Orchard, Poole
  • Poole Road, Westbourne
  • Seldown Lane
  • Lighthouse Arts Centre

Bournemouth

  • Hawkwood Road car park, (adjacent to library), Boscombe
  • Madeira Road multi storey car park
  • Richmond Gardens multi storey car park
  • Pound Lane car park, Kinson
  • Christchurch Road, near Lansdowne roundabout

Dorset

  • East Street car park, Bridport
  • Saxon Square, Christchurch
  • Trinity Street car park, Dorchester
  • Charmouth Road car park, Lyme Regis
  • Harbourside car park, Weymouth
  • Allenview West car park, Wimborne

Nigel Hutton, Transport Policy Manager, Borough of Poole, said: “These new chargers are really great news not only for those people who already use electric vehicles but also for those residents and businesses who may be thinking about using them in the future.”

Ian Kalra, Head of Transportation Services, Bournemouth Borough Council, said: “We are currently rolling out the town’s largest ever transport programme to give people better options on how they travel. Electric vehicles are a great choice for those wanting to travel longer distances but reduce their emissions at the same time. “