The New Forest National Park Authority and BMW UK are celebrating a significant milestone in their partnership as a new twin electric vehicle (EV) charging point officially becomes operational in the National Park. Along with expanding the EV charging network, the collaboration will involve BMW funding the appointment of two apprentice rangers and supporting around 80 young people to better connect with nature and feel inspired to protect it.
To provide more public EV charging options for both local residents and visitors, a new twin charging point has been installed in the Jubilee Field Car Park in Sway, which is one of the most central locations in the New Forest. This installation allows more EV drivers to enjoy the unique beauty of the National Park, including its ancient woodlands, wild heathlands, and beautiful coastlines.
This installation is the most recent development for the Recharge in Nature Project, which aims to install EV charge points across all 15 UK National Parks, from the Cairngorms in the Scottish Highlands to Dartmoor in England’s South-West. By the end of the three-year partnership in 2025, there will be a total of 135 charge points thanks to this collaboration.
Currently, the UK’s National Parks receive over 100 million visits each year, with 93% of these visits being made by car. Therefore, enhancing the National Parks’ EV recharging network is crucial to providing better access to the UK’s most precious wild landscapes for the lowest-emitting and quietest drives.
David Bence, from the New Forest National Park Authority, says: “We’re excited about our new EV twin charge point. The New Forest is a world capital for wildlife with many rare habitats and species, and we’re already witnessing the impacts of climate change. We must do everything we can to protect the New Forest for future generations—and that includes encouraging the people who call our wonderful National Park home and the millions of visitors each year to embrace lower-emission journey options.
“We’re also thrilled that this partnership with BMW UK means investment in the local community through two new ranger apprentices and a program to connect young people more deeply with the New Forest’s ancient landscapes.”
The BMW Group has set clear CO2 reduction targets across the lifecycle of every vehicle. It is constantly seeking new ways to cut emissions. By 2030, the CO2 emissions per vehicle will be at least halved from 2019. BMW Group was one of the first automotive brands to join the Business Ambition for 1.5°C as part of the Paris Climate Agreement – the most robust commitment to total climate neutrality over the entire value chain by 2050 at the latest. By doing so, the company is also part of the Race to Zero.
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