Electric vehicle charge point supplier Evolt has worked with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) in creating an EV charging network across the islands of the Outer Hebrides.
The project has seen 11 new charge points installed on the Isles of Lewis and Harris, North Uist, South Uist and Barra, which make up most of the Council’s remit. The new network adds to the existing Evolt charge points installed at the ferry ports throughout the Western Isles.
A Comhairle nan Eilean Siar spokesperson explained the charge point infrastructure project was completed in three phases, and Evolt were appointed the successful tenderer to supply its equipment: “It has proven to be a good and reliable supplier, and we have had minimal operational issues with the equipment, which bearing in mind our extreme weather conditions and harsh environment, is impressive.”
Three top-of-the-range rapid chargers that can charge two EVs to 80 per cent capacity in around 30 minutes through a 50kW AC and 43kW DC outlet have been installed as part of the network. These are supplemented by three 22kW fast chargers which take an hour to simultaneously charge two EVs; and five 7kW street chargers that complete the Islands’ set-up.
“The charging infrastructure has contributed to our environmental agenda and is an enabler of sustainable tourism,” the Spokesperson added. “A car club is also being set up by an independent enterprise for residents and businesses to hire EVs.
“Further strategically placed charging units are proposed for the future to increase accessibility to some of our prime tourist locations, however there can be limitations to installations based on the capacity of the electricity network in the area.”
Justin Meyer, General Manager for Evolt, emphasises EVs and charge points appeal to both rural and urban environments: “It’s a testament to the reliability and durability of our systems that they continue to effectively charge EVs even in the most testing conditions.”
Find EV charging points on the Zap-Map map.
