New wave of Electric Vehicle chargepoints installations underway

The first of a new wave of Electric Vehicle chargepoints is here.

Operator Char.gy has installed the first of what will be more than 6000 new lamppost chargepoints over the next 15 years.

The chargepoint, in Lawrence Road in Hove, is being used as a test site but is available for public use. Another 10 are being installed at various locations across the city before a larger rollout, scheduled to begin in October.

It’s one of the first chargepoints installed nationwide using the government’s new Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) funding. We were awarded £2.8 million of LEVI funding to boost our existing network of 500 chargepoints.

Picture: The new chargepoint on Lawrence Road, Hove

More to come

Councillor Trevor Muten, Cabinet member for Transport and City Infrastructure said: “It is fantastic to see the first new Char.gy chargepoint being installed.

“Once again, Brighton & Hove is leading the way in providing our residents, visitors and businesses with the infrastructure needed for the growing number of electric vehicle users in the city.

“This first LEVI funded lamp post chargepoint is the start of thousands more to come, bringing EV charging infrastructure to doorsteps in communities across the city.

“I look forward to seeing more new chargepoints in the coming weeks and months, helping us to provide clean, affordable and low carbon transport for people in Brighton & Hove.”

Picture: Councillor Muten with Char.gy Chief Revenue Officer Yann Marston

John Lewis, CEO of char.gy, said: “This project shows what can be achieved when local councils, innovative companies, and digital platforms work together. We’re proud to deliver this milestone – and with Zapmap and the char.gy app, drivers can immediately find and use the new charge point.

“Our focus is on providing reliable, affordable and convenient EV charging for the residents who need it right now, and we won't be slowing down. This is a win for sustainability and for the local community.”

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “We’re powering up an EV revolution in the UK and delivering £381m to install over 100,000 chargepoints across the country, including in Brighton and Hove, so that local people can confidently make the switch to electric.

“More chargepoints on our streets will make it easier and cheaper to own an electric vehicle, meaning people can charge up cheaply no matter where they live and no matter where they travel.”

Expanding EV infrastructure

As well as the 6000 lamppost chargers being installed by Char.gy, the Brighton & Hove will also see the installation of:

• 1000 fast charge points (between 8kW and 50kW)
• 200 rapid and ultra rapid charge points (50kW and above)
• 2 flagship ultra rapid EV hubs
• Flexible tariffs

Read more about how they’re being delivered.