A substantial expansion of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is underway in Suffolk, driven by a partnership between Suffolk County Council and Believ, an EV chargepoint operator. The project will see approximately 6,000 new charging points installed throughout the county, representing one of the largest such rollouts in any UK local authority.
This £21.3 million initiative is designed to facilitate a wider adoption of electric vehicles among Suffolk residents, particularly those who lack access to off-street parking – a demographic for whom home charging can be challenging.
The project’s funding stems from a successful bid to the Government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund, securing £5.3 million. This is supplemented by an additional investment of over £16 million from Believ.
As Councillor Philip Fairclough-Mutton, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Communities and Equality, explained:
“25 per cent of Suffolk households don’t have a driveway and park on their street. This is a significant barrier for people who would like an EV, as they have no convenient way to charge.”
The goal is to ensure that residents are within a 10-minute walk of a public charging point. Location suggestions were gathered through a survey conducted last year, demonstrating the council’s commitment to community input.
The rollout will encompass various types of chargers:
- Kerbside units for convenient overnight charging
- Rapid and ultra-rapid charge points in public car parks for quicker top-ups
Installation is scheduled to commence in Summer 2025. Drivers can expect benefits including an off-peak overnight tariff and a dedicated resident’s tariff offering discounted rates at all times.
The initiative aligns with Suffolk’s Climate Emergency Plan, aiming to improve air quality across the county.
Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood praised the project, stating:
“Making charging as easy as possible is a crucial ingredient to make the switch to electric a success. Rolling out over 6,000 charging sockets across Suffolk will make driving an EV easier and more convenient, especially for those without a driveway.”
She added that “The switch to electric will power growth, cut emissions and improve lives in Suffolk and beyond, as we continue to support jobs, attract investment and secure our future as part of our Plan for Change.”
