The project, the first of its kind in the UK, will look to boost the existing Cornwall e-bike share scheme with the installation of six solar powered e-mobility charging hubs across the region. 

The hubs, which will be strategically located following consultation, will use rubberised solar panels to power e-bike battery recharging, vastly reducing the amount of daily battery swaps for on-street teams. Installation of the first hub will begin in the coming weeks with all hubs set to be installed by March 2025. 

Solar analysis of the U.K. has highlighted a number of areas that generate enough solar energy to power e-mobility charging hubs. Several of these already have active Beryl e-share systems, allowing a potential trial expansion in the future.

This project is part of the Transport Decarbonisation Demonstrators programme, funded by the Department for Transport (DfT) and delivered by Innovate UK.

Beryl Head of Policy, Patrick Donnelly, said: “We’re really excited to deliver what could be a groundbreaking project for the industry, offering a blueprint for the delivery of successful e-share schemes in less densely populated rural areas.

“With over 300 e-bikes spread across 870 sq km, battery swapping in Cornwall can be time-consuming, costly and inefficient. The e-hubs could remove up to sixty swap jobs per day, freeing up more resources to carry out repairs and increasing the number of e-bikes available on the street by up to 15%. 

“Without the need for grid connection, the hubs will also reduce the scheme’s carbon footprint and operational costs, making it more feasible to expand into new areas and maximise scheme potential. 

“Ultimately, the project will aim to increase ridership and, by boosting efficiency and reducing operational costs, the project could help generate up to 50,000 more e-bike trips across Cornwall every year.”

Connor Donnithorne, Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for transport, said: “We want to support residents to make more sustainable choices about how they travel. This funding will not only increase the availability of e-bikes in areas such as Falmouth, Penryn and Newquay where we know they are in high demand, but also support our work to reduce Cornwall’s carbon emissions.”

Mike Biddle, Executive Director Net Zero at Innovate UK said: “By looking at decarbonisation through a place-based lens it is hoped that these projects will bring wider benefits above and beyond transport decarbonisation such as the improved health of residents through better access to active travel modes, a greater sense of community created by schemes or a decrease in congestion levels due to fewer private vehicles on the road.  

“We’re looking forward to the project completion next year and seeing the impact.”

The funding aims to support innovative research and development solutions that can demonstrate the potential to both reduce transport carbon emissions in local areas and facilitate collaboration between local authorities and businesses.

The competition encouraged a place-based approach to decarbonisation and bidders were asked to form consortia including at least one local authority, to bring a good understanding of place to the project.

Up to £1 million of this funding was reserved for tackling rural transport decarbonisation challenges.

Beryl and Cornwall Council first launched the e-bike share scheme in Falmouth back in September 2022. The scheme was subsequently expanded to other towns and currently comprises 302 e-bikes across 110 bays.