Manx Utilities has announced the addition of the island’s first public rapid Electric Vehicle (EV) charging point.

The unit at the Sea Terminal will be part of its ’pay-for-use’ charging network, and is due for installation on September 29.

The unit will take the number of public charging points in the island to 47.

The new rapid charge point is capable of providing 100 miles of range for a 30-minute charge based on four miles per kWh at a cost of 25p per kWh (approx. 7p per mile).

This is competitive with UK pricing and less than petrol or diesel fuel alternatives.

Douglas Promenade residents, businesses and visitors will also be able to access a further 30 charge points as they come online in the coming months due to the investment made in the capital’s regeneration scheme.

Manx Utilities said they are working closely with the Department of Infrastructure to monitor demand and ensure the European standard of 1 charging point for every 10 EVs is maintained.

This is estimated to be up to 30 charge points per annum at current levels of island demand.

Manx Utilities chief executive, Phil King said: ’It is important that we continue to expand the EV public charging network for the island to ensure it is fit for the future and supports Government’s climate change action plan to net zero emissions.

stakeholders

’Manx Utilities is pro-actively working with a variety of stakeholders including businesses, domestic consumers, government fleet services, the disability employment service, departments and local authorities.

’This extensive engagement has allowed Manx Utilities to identify key sites where civil works are planned to allow shared excavations for future network installations.’

In this week’s Isle of Man Examiner, we spoke to an EV user who argued the current positioning of EV charging bays is not ideal for users.

Mr King said: ’We are aware EV users have voiced concerns of their inability to access public charging bays when most needed.

’Therefore parking orders will be put in place which includes signage, bay painting and enforcement of parking restrictions regarding time limits for use, to ensure all users can access charging in a fair way.’