The Development of a Feasibility Study to Assess EV Refuelling across Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Warrington

Cheshire and Warrington is one of the UK's economic success stories and the most productive economy in the North of England. Enterprise Cheshire and Warrington (ECW), a council-owned organisation, works alongside elected leaders to make the region the healthiest, most sustainable, inclusive, and growing place in the country. We collaborate with the three local councils, industry leaders, and community partners to shape economic and transport strategies, deliver skills training and business support, and ensure that the voice of business is heard in local decision-making. Through its Marketing Cheshire division, ECW also champions the region as an outstanding place to live, work, invest, study, and visit. Working in collaboration with local government, businesses, educational institutes and other public, private and community sector organisations, we keep Cheshire and Warrington firmly on the map.

Enterprise Cheshire and Warrington (ECW), in partnership with the three local authorities (Cheshire West and Chester, Cheshire East, and Warrington), is commissioning a feasibility study to explore the potential for electric vehicle (EV) charging on Council-owned land. As each local authority are progressing towards their respective Net Zero targets, there is an increasing need to understand how best to support the electrification of Council fleets and freight vehicles, including heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). These sites all present strategic importance, all within close proximity to major road networks, nearby to service stations, and areas with high business activity. This feasibility will therefore seek to support the Local Authorities in their ambition to expand the EV charging infrastructure availability in the subregion to expand EV usage.

The purpose of this study is to assess the technical and practical viability of EV charging infrastructure across the pre-identified sites, considering space requirements, grid capacity and necessary infrastructure, planning constraints, wider operational needs and forecast demand patterns within the individual sites. In doing so, the outcome will be a robust strategic evidence base with a set of recommendations to inform future investment decisions, ensuring that infrastructure development is aligned with local transport strategies and net zero goals.

This work builds on current EV project and local authority climate and EV strategies. These projects include the delivery of LEVI and ZEBRA funding to accelerate uptake of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). These existing initiatives have supported the installation of public charging points and fleet electrification, such as the ZEBRA-funded Warrington Own Buses which are now operational.

ECW are therefore looking to appoint consultants to collaborate with Local Authority partners to support further EV development across the subregion.

The contract is expected to commence Tuesday 12th August