Mer Increases Electric Vehicle Charging Accessibility on Isle of Wight

Charge Point Operator Mer and installers Joju Charging have signed up to a project with the Council to provide different types of charging across the Island, which includes the upgrade and expansion of some historic infrastructure and expanding charging coverage across the whole Island.  

The Isle of Wight is a popular tourist destination. Car ferries and passenger services bring visitors from ports in Portsmouth, Lymington, Southampton, and Southsea. As many homes and holiday cottages have on-street parking only, many residents and visitors cannot charge their EVs at their home or holiday accommodation. Thus, there is a need for public charging. 

The project includes the installation of 10 dual on-street fast chargers, which are tailored towards local resident use and supported by OZEV and IWC funding. Charger locations have been chosen in line with local resident demand, which means they will be especially useful for those without off-street parking and also help to encourage the EV transition for residents who cannot benefit from home charging. Charger locations include Newport, Cowes, Ryde, and Ventnor. 

“When local authorities work well with their communities to expand the local charge point network and increase accessibility for those who cannot access EV charging at home, it acts as a great incentive to improve public confidence in the adoption of EVs”

Karl Anders, Managing Director at Mer UK

In addition to this, Mer is fully funding the installation of seven standalone rapid chargers, and 16 dual fast chargers in public car parks across areas such as Newport, Ryde, Shanklin, Sandown, Cowes, and Yarmouth.  

Councillor Phil Jordan, Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Highways and Transport at the Isle of Wight Council said, “I am delighted and encouraged that the first seven on-street electric vehicle charge points are now available for residents to use, and we look forward to increasing this number over the next few weeks. We have been receiving a growing number of requests from both residents and visitors for public charging facilities and through our partnership with Mer/Joju we are planning and working towards meeting the demand as fast as we are able.”  

Transitioning to electric transportation is noted as a factor in supporting the achievement of the Council’s climate goals. Its aim is to meet net zero by 2030 in its own operations, and net zero in emissions by 2040 across the area. The Isle of Wight Council’s Climate and Environment Strategy 2021-2040 includes increasing the number of public rapid and fast charge points to at least 72 sockets in Council and supermarket carparks and petrol stations, and ensuring one socket is available per eight households by 2040 via on-street charging. 

To find out more about how EV charging fits into the Council’s climate strategy, visit its website.