Tonbridge Bean

Tonbridge is seeing increased activity in electric vehicle (EV) development, as Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (TMBC) progresses with infrastructure plans and new electric car companies become available for sale in the town. This dual approach indicates a focused effort towards a more sustainable transport future for residents and businesses.

More Charging Points To Be Added This Summer

TMBC has laid out clear goals to significantly expand its electric vehicle charging infrastructure, a crucial step in encouraging wider EV adoption. As part of their broader strategy to reduce carbon emissions across the entire borough, the council is set to implement a substantial addition of 27 new charging points by Summer 2025. These new chargers are strategically located in various public car parks, not only in Tonbridge itself but also extending to Borough Green, West Malling, and Larkfield, ensuring a more comprehensive network across the district. The new installations will offer a mix of charging speeds, including 7kw and 22kw options, catering to different charging needs and vehicle types. A full list of charging points offered in TMBC can be found here.

Currently, Tonbridge already benefits from several existing fast charging points provided by the council in key locations. These include popular car parks such as Sovereign Way North, Bradford Street, Upper Castle Field, and River Lawn, offering convenience for town centre visitors and commuters. For those venturing slightly further afield, additional points are available at Bailey Bridge East Car Park in Aylesford and the TMBC Gibson Building in Kings Hill. The payment process has been streamlined through the Connected Kerb app, making charging straightforward, though users are reminded that standard parking fees still apply and can be paid via cash or the RingGo app. Crucially, the council emphasizes its commitment to sustainability by ensuring that all electricity supplied to these public charging points is generated from renewable energy sources, reinforcing the environmental benefits of switching to an EV.

Hendy Partnership with Hendy compliments strategy

Complementing TMBC’s efforts on the infrastructure front is the exciting news from the automotive sector. The Hendy Group, a prominent name in vehicle retail, has recently announced the addition of BYD (Build Your Dreams) to its portfolio, marking a significant step for electric vehicle availability right here in Tonbridge. BYD, recognized as the UK’s fastest-growing vehicle brand, is now establishing a presence in the town, directly addressing the demand for new EV models.

A vacant vehicle showroom in Tonbridge, Kent, is currently undergoing extensive redevelopment to accommodate BYD’s comprehensive range of electric and hybrid models. This 3,200 square foot showroom, expected to complete its renovations and welcome its first customers by early June, represents a major investment in the town’s EV ecosystem. The new dealership will not only feature impressive indoor and outdoor display areas for new and used BYD models but will also house a state-of-the-art nine-bay workshop, providing comprehensive service and MOT facilities for all car brands. This expansion is also a boon for local employment, having already led to the creation of 12 new jobs across sales and aftersales departments.

The combined efforts of TMBC and private sector investments like Hendy Group’s BYD dealership paint a clear picture of Tonbridge’s strong ambition to embrace an electric future. With more charging points becoming available and a wider selection of electric vehicles accessible locally, the town is actively removing barriers to EV adoption. This proactive approach will not only contribute to cleaner air and reduced carbon emissions but also solidify Tonbridge’s reputation as a forward-thinking, environmentally conscious community, ready for the next generation of transport.

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