An authority has been praised for its "net zero" initiative with one politician saying "credit where credit is due" but that he worries the "ordinary Joe" may not reap the benefits.

Oxford City Council is celebrating the second anniversary of its "transformational" Energy Superhub Oxford (ESO) which provides energy to roughly 122 electrical vehicles a day and has "saved 2,339 tonnes of carbon" so far.

The hub is a collaboration between Oxford City Council, EDF Renewables UK, Habitat Energy, Invinity Energy Systems, Kensa, and Oxford University.

ESO.ESO. (Image: Oxford City Council/You Tube)

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It launched at Redbridge Park and Ride in 2022 where charge point operators provide "fast and ultra-rapid charging" for 42 vehicles at once.

The landmark comes as an FOI submitted by a member of the public has revealed the council is planning to install up to 300 electrical vehicle charge points in 2025.

Independent Temple Cowley city councillor Saj Malik, said: "That (the ESO) is a hugely successful and unique hub.

Saj Malik.Saj Malik. (Image: Oxford City Council.)

"Whoever I have spoken to with experience using it said they were very pleased.

"It is a great initiative by the council and you give credit where credit is due."

Mr Malik went on to say he thought the question of electrical vehicles themselves was a "totally different story".

He said: "Currently electric cars are affordable for rich people.

"Not everyone has that cash.

ESO.ESO. (Image: Oxford City Council/You Tube)

"Manufactures need to produce cheaper cars for the ordinary Joe.

"And also there is a lack of infrastructure.

"In my point of view a minimum of 10 years is required for the whole revolution - to have enough charging points filling spaces."

Labour councillor Anna Railton, deputy leader and cabinet member for Zero Carbon Oxford said: “It's fantastic that the Energy Superhub Oxford and GULO projects kicked off electric vehicle charging in Oxford for drivers.

"Over the next three years, as part of a county-wide partnership, we are planning to deploy up to an additional 300 EV chargers across the city."

Anna Railton.Anna Railton. (Image: Oxford City Council.)

Green city councillor Lois Muddiman, who represents the Osney & St Thomas ward, said: "It's a great resource for drivers who can quickly recharge their cars.

"We need to move all of our energy needs, such as residential, transport and industrial, away from fossil fuels and towards renewable sources in a fair and just transition. We've long been calling for renewables to be installed at all the park and rides.

Lois Muddiman.Lois Muddiman. (Image: Oxford City Council.)

"Hopefully the success of the Energy Super Hub can be replicated across the city soon."

Liberal Democrat group leader on the city council Dr Chris Smowton added: "Better support for EVs in Oxford is great to see.

Dr Chris Smowton.Dr Chris Smowton. (Image: Contribution.)

"One aspect we'll need to make sure works as intended is the rollout of charging provision for people that don't have a driveway.

"The council appears to have a promising design for charging cables crossing the pavement safely using a buried channel.

"We just need to make sure in practice it is easy to get installed and results in safety for pedestrians, and especially for people using wheelchairs that need a flat and clear pavement."

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About the author

Noor is the Local Democracy Reporter for Oxfordshire who covers political stories from across the county. 

She began working as a journalist in Oxford in September 2023 having graduated from the University of Oxford.

Noor was trained at the News Associates journalism school and can be found on X through the handle @NoorJQurashi