West Midlands Powers Up: New Ultra-Fast EV Charging Network to Transform Regional Transport

The West Midlands is taking a monumental leap towards sustainable transport with a comprehensive network of ultra-fast electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. This £1.3 billion initiative, led by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), will place charging hubs within reach of 90% of residents and businesses within two years.

Photo by Roger Starnes on Unsplash

The Current Challenge

The transition to electric vehicles represents one of the most significant shifts in transportation since the invention of the motor car. Despite growing interest in EVs, many West Midlands residents and businesses hesitate to make the switch due to critical infrastructure challenges:

Only 15% of households currently have access to reliable charging facilities, while most existing charging points are slow chargers requiring overnight charging. Business fleet managers consistently cite charging infrastructure as their primary concern, with rural and suburban areas particularly underserved. Peak-time queuing at existing stations further discourages EV adoption, creating a significant barrier to widespread electric vehicle use.

The need for a well positioned, accessible, and efficient charging infrastructure has never been more pressing. These challenges go beyond mere convenience, they represent fundamental obstacles to the region’s sustainable transport ambitions.

A Strategic Solution

The WMCA’s response to this challenge is bold and comprehensive. Three strategic locations have been chosen for the initial ultra-fast charging hubs, each selected to serve different community needs while supporting the region’s broader development goals.

The Chester Road station in Erdington forms part of an ambitious regeneration project, breathing new life into the old GKN factory site. This development will create 270,000 sq. ft of commercial space and generate 300 new jobs, demonstrating how green infrastructure can drive economic growth.

In Longbridge, the Bristol Road South location pays homage to the area’s rich automotive heritage. Situated near the historic Rover West Works, this hub symbolises the region’s evolution from traditional manufacturing to sustainable transport innovation.

The Coventry Road station in Sheldon strategically serves both local commuters and visitors, with its proximity to Birmingham Airport making it a crucial link in the transport chain.

State-of-the-Art Capabilities

Each charging hub represents the pinnacle of EV charging technology, offering 20 ultra-fast chargers capable of delivering 100 miles of range in under 15 minutes. The stations go beyond mere functionality, providing covered, well-lit parking bays and essential amenities including coffee shops and convenience stores. This approach ensures that charging stops become convenient breaks rather than unwanted delays.

Contributing to #WM2041

This charging network forms a crucial part of the West Midlands’ #WM2041 initiative, aimed at achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2041. These hubs are a critical step in addressing “range anxiety,” a major barrier to widespread EV adoption. As Mayor Richard Parker emphasises: “These stations will give drivers and businesses 24/7 access to fast, reliable charging and the confidence to make the switch to electric vehicles.”

Looking Ahead

The WMCA continues to seek additional sites for future charging stations, focusing on accessible locations along major routes with sufficient power infrastructure. This expansion will ensure comprehensive coverage across the region, making electric vehicle adoption practical for everyone.Criteria for these sites include:· Sites around 1 acre· Development land, vacant buildings, or short-term investment properties to be cleared (Bigger cleared sites or those suitable for demolition will also be considered)· Arterial routes or key junctions.· Daily passing traffic flow of circa 20,000 vehicles· Ideally, the sites should have utilities ready, including access to an initial power supply of 1 MW.

Setting a National Precedent

The WMCA’s ambitious approach to EV infrastructure serves as a compelling blueprint for other regional authorities across the UK and beyond. Particularly noteworthy is their innovative strategy of transforming derelict sites and unused urban spaces into sustainable transport hubs. The Chester Road station’s transformation of the old GKN factory site demonstrates how dormant industrial spaces can be given new purpose in the green economy. Every city has its share of underutilised lots, empty industrial sites, and derelict buildings — spaces that could be reimagined as sustainable infrastructure hubs. By combining bold infrastructure investment with this regeneration approach, the West Midlands shows how regions can simultaneously tackle urban renewal and climate challenges.

The model is remarkably replicable: take underused urban spaces, add charging infrastructure, integrate local amenities, and create new centres of economic activity. This approach not only accelerates the transition to sustainable transport but also breathes new life into forgotten corners of our cities. The WMCA’s willingness to make substantial upfront investments, while fostering partnerships with technology providers and local businesses, shows how public authorities can catalyse both environmental and urban transformation. As more regions look to decarbonise their transport systems while regenerating urban spaces, the West Midlands’ model offers a practical roadmap for turning ambitious environmental targets into concrete action.

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