A network of charging points for electric vehicles is being planned across Swansea.

Swansea Council is bidding for a share of £5 million that has been made available to UK local authorities who are developing electric vehicle charging infrastructure in residential areas.

The money Swansea is bidding for will help fund the installation of 26 charging bays in 13 car parks across the city.

Each charging point will enable electric vehicles to travel approximately 30 miles from a one hour charge.

The Council is hoping the increase in electric charging infrastructure in Swansea will encourage more motorists to go green and use electric cars.

The latest bid for funding will also add to Welsh Government transport grant funding (£89k) which was approved earlier in the year and will help fund the installation of electric charging points at the city's two Park and Ride sites.

Andrea Lewis, Cabinet Member for Homes and Energy, said:

“We have made serious commitments to the residents of Swansea to improve our local environment by reducing our carbon footprint.

“The growing use of electric vehicles in the city will assist us in lowering carbon emissions.

“This additional funding bid is key in our efforts to increase the infrastructure in Swansea that is needed to give motorists confidence they can choose electric powered vehicles in the future.

“Along with new charging points in our Park and Ride sites, we will now be looking at rolling out even more charging points in car parks close to residential areas all across the city.”

The Council has previously introduced a 40-strong fleet of electric vans into its existing fleet of council vehicles. The vehicles are being used by council staff to go about their duties in the city.

Cllr Lewis added:

“The increase of electric vehicles in our own fleet is something we are very proud of and other councils are looking to us as a positive example of green fleet management.”