Dorset Council uses renewable energy to boost EV charging power
Mer will install and operate an additional 27 fast and rapid charging stations for Dorset Council. This phase extends the number of Mer chargers across the county to over 52. The increased coverage will help to satisfy the demand of EV drivers who visit vacation hotspots, as well as the county’s residents.
Mer is owned and operated by Statkraft, Europe’s largest generator of renewable energy. Its EV chargers are powered by 100% renewable energy. Expanding the network of Mer chargers will contribute to Dorset Council’s goal of reducing its carbon budget by 71% by 2030 and achieving overall carbon neutrality by 2040, as outlined in its Climate and Ecological Emergency Strategy.
Alex Hinchcliffe, Sales Director at Mer UK explains, “Sustainable, future-fit solutions are what local authorities need. We’re working with several councils like Dorset to ensure they provide the right charging stations for EV drivers. Results from our recent industry survey highlight that 69% of people want to see more public charging points, and we’re glad to more than double the number of Mer stations in Dorset with the new tranche of fast and rapid charge units.”
This phase of the project is partly funded by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles, who awarded £125k to Dorset Council to help boost charge-point availability for households without private access to off-street charging.
Cllr Ray Bryan, Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment at Dorset Council says, “The greater spread of EV chargers in Dorset will urge people to make the switch to electric vehicles, support the reduction of vehicle emissions across the county, assist where home charging is not an option and help reduce holidaymakers’ range anxiety. More coverage means tourists can relax while they’re visiting, rather than worrying about their journeys around the Jurassic coast. We hope this will encourage more EV drivers to explore Dorset, giving the county’s tourist figures a boost.”
Plans are in place to further expand Dorset’s EV charging network, and all residents are encouraged to contribute suggestions for new locations. As the new charging stations come online, residents and visitors alike can use the Mer Driver Portal to find their nearest charge point location.
