^{Image: Cllr Graham Spencer (Chair), Amanda Rymell (senior public sector partnerships manager Believ).}

Nottinghamshire’s Awsworth Parish Council has partnered with charge point operator Believ to install fully funded electric vehicle (EV) charge points as part of its drive to provide rural communities with publicly accessible infrastructure.

A fast charge point and a rapid contactless charge point have been installed in the Awsworth village hall car park. The parking facility serves the village hall and recreation ground, which host a vast range of recreational and community activities and being opposite the local school, the location was the obvious choice.

Cllr John Mortimer of Awsworth Parish Council said: “With the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars fast approaching, the time will come where most vehicles are electric. We need to support residents who would otherwise struggle to accommodate this shift towards sustainable transport. The groundwork has been configured so that we can easily add more charge points as EV use increases – helping us to future proof our provision.”

The car park was also deemed an ideal location for residents living in the nearby streets, where terraced housing does not allow for private charging at-home.

Fast charge points serve the needs of these residents, while the rapid charge point will enable those visiting the hall for a brief visit (e.g. an exercise class) to charge their cars within the hour.

Amanda Rymell, Senior Public Sector Partnerships Manager, at Believ, said charge point operators can play an important part in supporting rural communities to accelerate their transition toward an all-electric future: “Our philosophy is to ensure that no one is left behind in the switch to electric transport. This means we must ensure that EV charging infrastructure is in place to give everyone the opportunity to own and enjoy an EV, and not just in UK towns or cities.”