We’re expanding the number of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points to help meet Brighton & Hove’s growing demand.
Already one of the best covered cities in the UK, we’re adding 100 new lamppost charging points and 20 new fast chargers from next month.
It’ll take the total number of charge points in the city close to 500 with hundreds more set to follow in the next few years thanks to a multi-million pound grant
The rollout will begin from March, starting with lamppost chargers. Fast chargers will follow in late spring/early summer, subject to Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) consultations.
The first group of new chargers are being funded thanks to a central government grant of over £440,000 from OZEV (Office for Zero Emission Vehicles). This grant will cover 60% of the total cost, with EV charging operator Blink Charging covering the remaining 40%.
Picture: One of the city’s electric vehicle charging points
Multi-million pound grant
This new rollout is just the tip of the iceberg, however.
Last month, we were awarded £2.865m from the government’s Local EV Infrastructure (LEVI) fund which will support the installation of at least 1,650 new chargers over the next 3 years.
We’ll be procuring new lamppost, fast and rapid charge point operators in addition to the current network. We believe this will mean EV drivers will benefit from smart, flexible and competitive charging rates.
We’ll be consulting with stakeholders and communities later this year to identify sites and get feedback and hope to install the first of the new chargers in early 2025.
Leading the way
Councillor Trevor Muten, Chair of the Transport and Sustainability committee said: “Brighton & Hove really is leading the way when it comes to providing an Electric Vehicle infrastructure fit for the future.
“The number of EVs is growing fast so we need to make sure we’re ahead of the curve. Many more residents, businesses and visitors are choosing to drive fully electric cars and vans as prices come down and the second-hand market expands.
“This funding means we can provide hundreds of new charge points for the thousands of residents and visitors who’ve made the switch to electric or will do so in the years ahead.
“Providing thousands more EV charging points will also make a significant contribution to achieving the city’s net zero goals of moving away from burning polluting fossil fuels, providing affordable, clean energy and improving air quality.
“By re-focusing and scaling up actions, we are working to bring about bigger changes and positive, sustainable benefits for everyone.”
In demand
Statistics from the DVLA have shown that almost 3000 electric and hybrid vehicles are now registered in Brighton & Hove, and the number is growing.
Independent research shows that 77% of Brighton and Hove residents with no off-street parking, now live within a 5-minute walk of a public charge point, one of the best rates in the country.
We currently have around 700 active requests from residents for charge points to be installed near their homes and receive approximately 20 more every month.
The new lamppost chargers will be installed in locations based on these requests.
More information about Electric Vehicles and charging in Brighton & Hove.