Our commitment to a sustainable Elmbridge strengthened

At March Cabinet, Elmbridge’s commitment to climate change and sustainability aims to be strengthened, as Cabinet considers how it will build on our current electric vehicle chargepoints provision in the borough’s public pay and display car parks.

The uptake of electric vehicles in Elmbridge grew by approximately 1% per quarter in 2023, and if growth were to rise to match the forecast of 38% in 2027*, approximately 21,124 vehicles in Elmbridge would be electric.

We know that most electric vehicle owners within Elmbridge will have access to charging point at their homes as their primary charging source. However, there are some areas with no dedicated parking for homes, and to encourage the shift to electric, public electric vehicle charging provision needs to focus on these areas. 

This provision could be through a mix of on-street and off-street pay and display car park provision for overnight charging, as well as providing top up charging provision.

Elmbridge residents already benefit from fast (up to 22kW) electric vehicle chargers installed at the following council owned locations:

• Walton: Drewitts Court car park and Walton Centre for the Community 
• Hersham: Hersham Centre for the Community 
• Cobham: Hollyhedge Road car park and Cobham Centre for the Community
• Esher: Civic Centre car park
• Weybridge: Churchfield Road car park 
• Claygate: Claygate Centre for the Community

These installations not only help to improve access to electric vehicle chargepoints in Elmbridge and but also support our residents with switching to electric vehicles - a positive step towards improving local air quality and reducing carbon emissions.

Residents who do not have the ability to install electric vehicle chargepoints at their homes can use the overnight chargepoints, while other residents and visitors can top up the charge of their electric vehicles during the day.

At Elmbridge Borough Council, we are making progress to meet our goals surrounding our 2030 Vision as we prioritise protecting the natural environment, reducing our carbon emissions and improving air quality within our neighbourhoods.

Cllr David Young
Portfolio Holder of Climate Change and Sustainability

* The Office for Budget Responsibility