EV chargers to be fitted onto city streets soon but is Newport getting a fair share?
A major part of this effort involves expanding public EV infrastructure across the Newport.
In April 2025, the council began installing 98 new charging points into existing street lights, specifically targeting streets where residents lack off-street parking such as driveways or garages.
These compact chargers, installed by Urban Fox, are among the first streetlight-style units in Wales and allow for network expansion without taking up significant street space.
The rollout of EV infrastructure across the UK remains uneven.
A recent Freedom of Information request by Compare the Market revealed stark differences between councils.
Westminster City Council leads with 2,468 chargers, while Milton Keynes and Birmingham follow with 956 and 613 respectively.
Newport's numbers are more modest, and the installation of new chargers has led to some loss of parking spaces, though figures have not yet been publicly disclosed.
Public hesitancy around EV adoption remains high and was clearly on display when the Argus spoke to city centre shoppers.
Despite the upcoming 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel car sales, 69% of UK drivers still use traditional fuel vehicles.
Only 12% currently own a fully electric car, and 13% drive plug-in hybrids. Alarmingly, 47% of drivers are unaware of the 2035 ban, suggesting a lack of urgency in transitioning to cleaner transport.
Cost is the biggest barrier. According to Compare the Market's research, over half of drivers say EVs are too expensive, and most would be more likely to buy one if cheaper models were available.
Charging infrastructure is another concern. Around 37% of drivers say they would consider switching if more public chargers were available locally, and 30% believe public chargers should be free or subsidised.
Nearly half (41%) feel there are not enough incentives, such as grants or tax exemptions, to support the switch.
Even current EV owners face challenges. While 59% have installed home chargers, many still rely on public infrastructure.
The average EV driver is willing to travel just over five miles to reach a charger, but issues like long wait times, slow charging speeds, and difficulties with payment systems are common.
Nearly a third report being blocked by non-EV vehicles parked in charging bays, according to Compare the Market.
Newport's chargers are operated by various providers, including Dragon Charging and PodPoint. Users may need a compatible plug-to-plug cable and can access chargers via RFID (Radio Frequency ID) cards or mobile apps.
Costs vary by location and operator, and standard parking fees apply in off-street car parks. The council has invested in upgraded software to offer flexible payment options and user-friendly interfaces.
Disabled access is also a priority. Newport complies with PAS 1899 (disability accessibility) standards where possible and is home to Wales's first EV WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle) bay.
Maintenance is handled by Silverstone Green Energy, and support is available via phone or email.
To help drivers navigate the EV landscape, Confused.com has launched an electric charging map showing all public chargers in the UK.
This tool aims to make EV ownership more accessible and reduce confusion around infrastructure availability.
Newport City Council has been asked for comment on the total number of spaces that will be rolled out and how many parking spaces could be lost.
For more information, visit the Energy Saving Trust, GOV.UK, Dragon Charging.
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