DCC to trial electric car charging points in street lamps in Docklands area
June 5, 2018
The trial use of street lamps as electric car charging points is expected to lead to a quicker national rollout of power-up options for drivers and an increased changeover to emission-free vehicles. Dublin City Council is exploring installing lamp post chargers in the Docklands area.
Environment Minister Denis Naughten confirmed the plans are being finalised and if the simple-to-use new technology is successful it could overhaul charging facilities nationwide.
“If this trial works, it will radically change the accessibility of charging infrastructure for electric vehicle owners in this country, which will drive up sales and bring us closer and sooner to a low carbon future that is not dependent on fossil fuels,” said Mr Naughten.
Providing charging points for electric vehicles on street lamps may be a solution for drivers living in homes not suitable for charging points — such as houses without front gardens.
The latest figures from the Department of Environment estimate that there are approximately 5,400 electric vehicles in Ireland, including hybrid models.
However, there are concerns that the Government keeps revising down its targets for electric vehicles. In 2008, the aim was that electric vehicles would make up 10% of the national car fleet — equivalent to more than 200,000 — by 2020. This has been reduced to just 20,000, with the biggest deterrent being the short range of electric cars and the lack of sufficient charging points.