For many first-time buyers of electric vehicles and a variety of hybrid vehicles, their main concern is finding somewhere to charge their car when the battery is running low.
We’ve contacted all 11 super councils across Northern Ireland to find out how many charging points each local authority has at its facilities.
Here’s how many each borough has and what their plans are for future development of EV charging infrstructure.
1. Antrim and Newtownabbey
Antrim and Newtownabbey Council has 18 EV charging points on council-owned property, nine of which are owned and operated by ESB. The council is currently preparing a new tender specification for private charge point operators to install and operate EV charging points at council facilities. The number of charge points will be determined within this specification. Photo: Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council
2. Ards and North Down Borough Council
There are eight double chargers and one single charger (17) on council-owned property in Ards and North Down. The council is participating in the On Street Residential ChargePoint Scheme with plans for 15 charging points across council managed car parks in the borough. There are also plans to create an additional eight charging points in council facilities for council vehicles. Photo: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press
3. Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon
In Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon there are three EV charging points for Business Use and 12 EV charging points for public use run and maintained by third party. The creation of additional EV charging points is actively being investigated, however, no financial commitment has been made. Photo: Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council
4. Belfast
A spokesperson for Belfast City Council said: "There are currently 26 EV charging points on council-owned property. Regarding numbers – 18 of these charging points are open to the public, including Belfast Zoo, our leisure centres and car parks." Photo: Belfast City Council