Isle of Wight Council are aiming to achieve net zero goals for their own operations by 2030, and net zero emissions across the island by 2040. Encouraging the move to electric vehicles, and the supporting EV charging infrastructure needed, is a crucial part of this. The Isle wants to cater for the growing number of residents switching to electric, as well as for visiting EV drivers in this popular tourist destination.

Involving Joju Charging 

The first step for our Joju Charging team was to undertake a comprehensive feasibility study, supporting the Council with the information to decide where EV Charging infrastructure would be placed, what type of infrastructure is needed, and how it can best be funded. There was already a small private charging network around the ferry terminals, and also a limited number of historic chargers needing to be replaced.

Following our study, it was agreed Joju would install in 12 main settlements around the island to get a comprehensive spread of charge point locations, expanding charging coverage significantly. These include Newport, Ryde, Sandown, Cowes/East Cowes, Ventnor, Yarmouth, Freshwater, Shanklin, Wootton Bridge, Seaview and Lake.

The infrastructure

 Altogether there are 33 charge points on the Island, including:

• Ten previously installed, dual on-street fast chargers

These have been funded by OZEV and Council investment to help meet residential demand. We’ve adopted them, have upgraded some of the units, and are continuing this process.

• Seven standalone rapids, and 16 dual fast chargers

We introduced our funding partner Mer to the project and these charge points are funded by them and maintained by us. We installed the chargers in public car parks in areas like Newport, Ryde, Shanklin, Sandown, Cowes, and Yarmouth. They’re perfect whether you need a rapid charge to quickly get on the move, a fast charge if you’re visiting local attractions, or for residents needing an overnight charge.

We’re also exploring expansion and additional charging infrastructure on the island.

By popular demand…

The popularity of the sites really has grown and grown. Of all of our charge points on the Mer network, three of the Isle of Wight chargers are regularly in the top 10. That’s in terms of usage in the last 30 days. There are seasonal variations of course, but this just highlights the appetite for EV charging infrastructure on the island.

Joju Charging’s Head of Public Sector Sales, Emma Blades, commented:

“It’s fantastic working with the Isle of Wight team who are committed to developing a robust EV charging infrastructure on the island. There has been some great conversation on local online forums praising the charge points and encouraging visitors to come to the Isle with their electric vehicles. One forum contributor even booked a holiday off the back of a chat about the availability of EV charge points! It definitely makes our Joju Charging team proud to hear that the network is helping to attract visitors to the island as word gets out there.”

Long may the infrastructure expansion continue, and long may it attract visitors to the island, as well as serving EV-driving residents.

Further reading

Joju Charging has won Contractor of the Year at the EVIES three times. Find out about our latest award win.

Discover more of our EV charging case studies.

Find out more about how we work with the public sector.