DRIVERS in Mossley can now plug in closer to home after the town’s first public electric vehicle charger was switched on – bringing with it a community-focused twist.
The new charging point, installed at The Vale arts centre, is capable of delivering a rapid boost, adding around 75 to 90 miles of range in just an hour. But beyond convenience, the project is also designed to give something back locally.
Run by the not-for-profit venue, any surplus generated from the charger will be reinvested into the community. According to the centre, every 270 kilowatt-hour (kWh) of charging will help fund a creative workshop for local people.
The charger is based at The Vale’s Annexe building and, on brighter days, can even draw directly from the site’s 46 solar panels – part of a broader push towards sustainability at the venue.
Chief Executive Leon Patel said: “We wanted Mossley’s first public EV charger to do more than provide power; we wanted it to create opportunity. Every charge helps us run workshops, support local people and keep creativity thriving in the town. It’s a small piece of infrastructure with the potential to have a big impact on the community.”
The installation is the latest step in a wider environmental programme at the centre, which already includes heat pumps, live energy monitoring and a long-term goal of becoming energy self-sufficient within the next three to five years.
The Vale has also added its own electric vehicle to support events and outreach work, helping to reduce its carbon footprint further.
The charger is now open to the public, with drivers able to pay by card or app. It is expected to appear on national EV charging maps soon – offering a more local option for motorists who previously had to travel to nearby Greenfield to plug in.
Leon added: “We’ve kept pricing competitive, but the real value is what it enables, because every charge directly supports people in Mossley.”