A new solar-powered charging hub for electric vehicles has opened in South Cumbria.
Charge my Street, a Cumbrian-based social enterprise, has opened the hub at Staveley Mill Yard.
It was officially set live by Daniel Heery, director, and Paul Fisher, outgoing chair of Charge my Street, and local businesses including Lloyd South Lakes brought electric vehicles to show people.
Hawkshead Brewery, based in the mill yard, showed off its new fleet e-van as it charged using Cumbria’s sunshine.
Electricity North West and Bay Camera & Communication were on hand to answer any technical questions about the existing 4,300 solar panels and nine Tesla power wall batteries with the chargepoints.
David Brockbank, owner of Staveley Mill Yard said: “Local residents of Staveley contacted Charge my Street as they were really keen to see electric vehicle chargepoint infrastructure installed in Staveley to complement the existing green technology at the mill yard.
“The solar array is currently the largest in a UK national heritage site. The chargepoints use this power to tackle transport emissions in the national park. The four sockets are the only solar-powered electric vehicle charging hub in Cumbria, this is something we are really proud of having in Staveley.
“Staveley Mill Yard has had hydro power throughout its existence, we’re keeping the site as environmentally powered as possible by using modern technologies such as solar arrays and battery storage solutions, to maintain the sites natural power traditions.
“We are in the process of restoring the hydro power at Staveley Mill Yard, continuing the use of natural power resources and using the special qualities the Lake District provides is essential.”
Wendi Lethbridge, of Staveley, was an early investor in Charge my Street and said: “I’ve been a great advocate for chargepoints in the village and its fantastic to see them working.”
Daniel said “There are now two charge points within five minutes walk of many of the terraced houses in Staveley now, so it’s easier than ever to make
the switch to an electric car.
“It’s been fantastic to work with David Brockbank and Heather Onions of Staveley Mill Yard for this installation. They have shown a real desire to do something for their community and that’s been obvious throughout.
“So many of the large charging companies have been focused on installing chargepoints at motorway service stations or in larger towns and cities. This completely neglects those of us who live in small towns or in terraced housing who just want somewhere to park their electric vehicle to charge overnight.
“The more chargepoints like these we get installed in communities like this, the more people will be able to switch to an EV from their petrol/diesel car, cutting carbon emissions and saving themselves money.”
Local residents can charge up their vehicles on a pay as you go basis or on a monthly energy
package from £25/month. More details can be found on the Charge My Street website.
In 2030, the sale of new petrol and diesel cars will be banned and people will need to use
alternative transport instead. For many who live in rural communities, a car is the only viable
option for commuting so a robust charging infrastructure is a vital part of Staveley’s future.
Anyone wishing to suggest another site that would be a good host for a chargepoint should go
to www.chargemystreet.co.uk/host
