Innovative EV charge points: a step toward sustainable urban mobility
Birmingham is making progress in sustainable transport by adding electric vehicle (EV) charging points to residential lampposts across the city.
This initiative, launched by Birmingham City Council and delivered in partnership with Shell Recharge, is designed to help residents without off-street parking switch to electric vehicles.
As part of a pilot project, 560 charging points are being installed, with about 150 already in use. This will allow EV owners to charge their vehicles close to home.
A smart solution for a growing demand
The new charging infrastructure is part of Birmingham's ongoing efforts to become a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable city. For many, the lack of easily accessible charging points can be a barrier to shifting to zero-emission vehicles.
This approach turns lampposts into EV charge points by using the streetlights' power, so no new infrastructure is needed. The charge points, branded with Shell Recharge, are easy to use and managed through a simple mobile app for payments and charging. You can also find them on the Zapmap app.
Meeting the needs of the community
The pilot rollout, which will cover main residential streets and focus on homes without private driveways, supports the city’s wider commitment to the Birmingham Transport Plan and its Clean Air and Route to Zero strategies.
These initiatives want to encourage walking, cycling, and public transport as the main ways to get around, while also providing clean, zero-emissions charging options for those who still use private vehicles. By adding charging points to lampposts, the city is making it easier for residents to switch to electric vehicles and reduce their carbon footprint.
The future of EV charging in Birmingham
The trial of 560 EV lamppost charge points is just the beginning. Birmingham City Council plans to grow the network in the future, making reliable, eco-friendly charging available to more residents. Adding these charge points is also an important step towards achieving the council’s EV charging strategy goals. With help from both public and private partners, the city is building a future where clean transportation is easier and more convenient for everyone.
Key benefits of the lamppost EV charging scheme
The key benefits of the scheme are:
- accessibility: charging points are installed in residential areas, making it easier for those without off-street parking to charge their vehicles.
- sustainability: using existing lampposts reduces the need for new, disruptive developments
- convenience: EV owners can charge their cars close to home, making it easier to include in their daily routines.
- cost-effective: utilising the power supply from streetlamps reduces installation costs and environmental disruption
A green future for Birmingham
Birmingham’s investment in electric vehicle infrastructure, like the lamppost charging points, is a key step toward reaching the city’s environmental goals. Residents can look forward to a cleaner, healthier, and more connected future thanks to the city’s support for greener transport. Watch as Birmingham continues to lead and drive change toward a zero-emission future.