Portsmouth among the best UK cities for electric vehicle charging, new study suggests

New research published by Field Dynamics suggests that 59 per cent of people live within a five-minute walk of a charging point, compared to the national average of 17 per cent.

The data, compiled in partnership with Zap-Map, indicates that only Brighton and Greater London perform better under this criteria.

Across the city, there are currently around 100 electric vehicle charging points, both in car parks and along residential streets.

Councillor Lynne Stagg, cabinet member for traffic and transportation, said: ‘I am thrilled to see Portsmouth's efforts to expand our electric vehicle accessibility be recognised in this manner.

‘As we continue to encourage our residents and visitors to choose more sustainable travel options in a bid to improve air quality for ourselves and our city, we hope the number of electric charging points across Portsmouth will encourage people that need to replace their vehicle to consider an electric car.

‘Electric vehicles are just part of the solution however, and I'd urge everyone to make walking, cycling and taking public transport their first choice for short journeys.’

With a lack of driveways in Portsmouth, the city will inevitably rely heavily on on-street charging points in the coming years.

These work on a pay as you go basis, drawing their electricity from lampposts with availability 24 hours a day.

The city council is encouraging people to switch to electric vehicles as soon as they can,