A publicly accessible rapid electric vehicle charger has been installed on the Bournville Village Trust (BVT) estate to support sustainable travel.
The 50kW charger has been launched at the Shenley Green shops, Shenley Lane, through a partnership between Bournville Village Trust, Birmingham City Council and ESB Energy.
The work is part of the Council’s wider strategy to increase the number of charging points across the City and BVT’s work to maintain distinctive, environmentally sustainable places.
Arthur Tsang, Director of Communities at BVT, said: “The challenges facing our climate are well documented and residents have shared with us their concerns and asked what we are doing to support the move to reduce emissions and improve air quality.
“This rapid charger has the capability to provide a full charge to a car between 30-60 minutes and will be supplied by 100% renewable energy.
“Members of the community will be able to use the charging point, which is a small step to support the move towards more environmentally sustainable travel in the area.”
Cllr Liz Clements, Cabinet Member for Transport at Birmingham City Council, said: “Transferring from petrol to electric vehicles is vital in supporting our climate emergency commitment to cut carbon emissions, and a crucial part of our transport plan. However, this will only happen with a comprehensive network of charging points across the city.
“It is great news to see charging points being installed to complement what the city council is doing.”
Emily James, Birmingham Project Manager from ESB Energy, said: “ESB Energy is delighted to launch a new public 50kW rapid charger on the Bournville Village Trust (BVT) estate. Partnering with Birmingham City Council, we continue to roll out a comprehensive public charging network for electric vehicle drivers throughout the city.
“We know the huge benefit that EV infrastructure plays in helping build a sustainable future for cities and we are committed to playing a role in supporting the city’s, and indeed country’s, electrification of transport ambitions.”
It is projected the charging point will save at least 2,000 tonnes of CO2 and reduce other types of pollution over 12 years.
As well as working with partners to install the new charging point, BVT is introducing a number of electric vehicles to its maintenance and estate departments to help reduce carbon emissions.
In partnership with Severn Trent, 600 new trees have also been planted in Weoley Hill parkway just off Bristol Road South to create a haven for wildlife and boost biodiversity.
Bournville Village Trust is one of the Midlands’ longest-serving independent charitable trusts. It provides a range of services from estate management and commercial premises to affordable housing and community support services that help people thrive.
As a not-for-profit, all its surplus is ploughed back into the homes, facilities and communities it manages. It works within more than a dozen diverse and distinctive communities in Birmingham and Telford and aims to create and sustain communities where people can thrive.
For more information about Bournville Village Trust, please go to www.bvt.org.uk
