Somerset West and Taunton (SWT) has now completed the installation of five charging points in partnership with EV charge point supplier, InstaVolt.

In Taunton, a single charging station at Blackbrook Sports Centre was installed and switched-on for public use at the end of May. A further two charging stations are scheduled for installation later this year at Deane House.

Additionally, twin charging stations at Alexandra Road Carpark in Minehead and Exmoor House Carpark in Dulverton were also recently completed and brought on line between 22 and 23 July.

Each charging station offers between 50-120kW DC rapid charging, available for public use 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on a no subscription, pay-as-you-go basis.

Users can easily locate the charging stations using apps such as Zap-Map, the newly launched InstaVolt App via Google Play and the App Store, or via the InstaVolt website.

Executive member for Climate Change, Cllr Dixie Darch, said: ‘We’re delighted to offer electric vehicle charging in our car parks in partnership with InstaVolt.

‘The completion of these charging stations supplements the additional charge points being installed by Swarco eVolt in our other car parks at Minehead, Porlock, Taunton, Watchet, Wellington, Williton and Wiveliscombe.

‘Together, these will provide a network of accessible locations for EV drivers to make longer and cleaner journeys without the anxiety of potentially running out of power.

‘As mentioned previously, I hope this increases consumer confidence to convert to electric vehicles as a more sustainable method of travel.’

Chief executive officer for InstaVolt, Adrian Keen, commented: ‘As electric vehicle usage continues to ramp up, there is a significant desire for rapid charging points across the Somerset West and Taunton area.

‘Ensuring we’re delivering the best options for SWT, we’ve installed our newest model at two of the five sites which are able to deliver up to 120kW – some of our fastest yet.

‘The installation of these five InstaVolt charging stations is an exciting development in Somerset West and Taunton’s journey toward net zero, and we’re thrilled to form a significant part of it.’