RESIDENTS are being given the chance to charge electric vehicles at home, even if they don’t have a driveway.
Up to 50 households in the borough are eligible for a new pilot scheme on a first-come, first-served basis.
Wigan Council is teaming up with Trojan Energy to trial the Trojan Home project, which enables on-street vehicle charging for residents without private parking.
Cllr Paul Prescott, portfolio holder for planning, environmental services and transport at the council, said: "The Trojan Home project is an exciting opportunity to enable more of our residents to make the switch to electric vehicles, particularly for those who previously had limited access to charging points.
"The council is well aware of the challenges we will face addressing the impacts of climate change and achieving carbon net zero, so pilot schemes like these can help us to understand more ways how we can support residents, reduce carbon emissions, and improve air quality."
The scheme provides on-street charging points that connect directly to a resident’s home energy supply, making electric vehicle ownership more practical for those without driveways.
The charging points are flat and flush with the pavement to minimise obstructions.
Residents can also allow others to use their charging point on a pay-as-you-go basis, with full reimbursement.
Installation is free for those selected, though participants must pay a fixed fee of £50 per month for 36 months to cover equipment upgrades, maintenance, insurance and 24/7 support.
The trial will last 18 months and will be evaluated for possible wider rollout.
Trojan Energy’s CEO Ian Mackenzie said: "Trojan Home is all about levelling the playing field.
"It gives electric vehicle drivers who park on-street the freedom to charge at home rates, right outside their front door, without compromising the look or feel of their street.
"We’re proud to be working with Wigan Council to make electric vehicle charging fairer and more practical for everyone."
The pilot is in addition to approximately £2.5m that Wigan Council has been allocated from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to boost the public electric vehicle charging infrastructure network.
Residents interested in the pilot can find out more at https://tinyurl.com/mr3ub2r3.
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