Brighton & Hove City Council (BHCC) is rolling more than 6,000 street chargers in the UK’s ‘largest’ on-street charging project to date.

The on-street charging project will be the biggest in the UK to date

The council has partnered with Char.gy for the project, valued at £130m and expected to mark the start of “a transformative phase” for on-street charging infrastructure in England.

BHCC is one of the first local authorities to draw down Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) funding, which supports local authorities in England to plan and deliver charging infrastructure for residents without off-street parking.

The duo say the huge rollout demonstrates to other local authorities what’s possible when it comes to electrifying Britain’s streets with accessible, convenient EV chargers while also marking a major win for EV drivers.

Local street chargers eliminate the need to actually drive to a charging station, making charging far more convenient for those without access to a home charger. Approximately 40% of households lack access to off-street parking or are in rental accommodation.

More importantly, charging near home means they can take advantage of cheaper overnight rates, when energy tariffs are discounted, just like those with private home chargers. Char.gy’s PAYG Night Tariff is set at 39p/kWh.

John Lewis, CEO of Char.gy, said: “This is a huge moment for the country and its EV ambitions. BHCC, a consistent leader in the EV space, has set a benchmark for proactive action and collaboration. At Char.gy, we’re committed to delivering a seamless, affordable and convenient charging experience for everyone in Brighton & Hove – because that’s key to encouraging EV uptake.

“This partnership alone will empower thousands of residents to confidently make the switch to electric vehicles, knowing they have easy access to chargers. As local authorities across England prepare to follow suit, this stands as a powerful first example of how the public and private sectors are coming together to deliver impactful projects that stimulate the demand for EVs and bring the country meaningfully closer to achieving our sustainability goals.”

Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood said the on-street charger rollout would “power growth, cut emissions and improve lives in Brighton and Hove and beyond, as we continue to create jobs, attract investment and secure our future as part of our Plan for Change”.

Quentin Willson, founder of the FairCharge campaign group, also applauded the announcement.

He commented: “Such a huge and very visible deployment of on-street chargers will help create consumer confidence in charging infrastructure and show other local authorities that with ambition and government LEVI funding, it’s possible to offer chargers to the neglected 40% of EV drivers who can’t charge at home.”