Launch of new Electric Vehicle Charging Points in Waterford City

Waterford City Council and ESB launch six new charge points

Waterford City Council in conjunction with ESB ecars is proud to announce that six new charging points are now operational in Waterford City. Each of the three locations can charge two vehicles at the same time. The new ecar charging points are located on Ballybricken Green, in Bolton Street car park and Millars Marsh car park. The existing charging locations at Parnell Street and Arundel Square with also benefit from a full revamp including new upgraded double headed charge points, signage and the distinctive green ground markings. A further charge-post location is planned for the proposed Waterside car park in 2013.

Commenting on the launch, the Mayor of Waterford City Cllr. Jim D’Arcy welcomed the initiative and stated that the City Council was prepared to support and play a full role in the national strategy to introduce electric vehicles. The network of EV charging points, he said, would make electric vehicles more accessible and attractive to the public with long term benefits to the environment and much lower running costs for the motorists who switch over.

Electric vehicles actively charging in the designated places will be allowed do so without parking costs for a maximum of three hours. The City has designated a highly visible parking space at each charge point which is for the exclusive use of EV’s while charging.

Dermot McArdle, Manager, ESB ecars said” There are currently over 19 publicly accessible charge points around Waterford city and county at which electric vehicles can be re-charged.”

The Government’s target is that, by 2020, every tenth car on Irish roads will be powered by electricity. ESB, along with key partners, is already well along the road to making electric driving in Ireland an everyday reality. At present, close to 1,000 charge points have been installed by ESB Networks nationwide and Ireland is on track towards having one of the of the most advanced electric vehicle's infrastructure anywhere in Europe.”

The ESB ecar website contains a map on charging locations as well as additional information on electric vehicles: www.esb.ie/ChargePointMap

A number of electric vehicles are for sale locally; with fully electric models available from Renault, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Citroen and Peugeot. The numbers and popularity are set to increase soon with electric vehicles due from Ford, Honda and Volkswagen in 2013.

Currently the range of these vehicles is approximately 160km on a single charge, making them ideal not only for city driving but also for commuters from further afield.