West Northamptonshire is set to install more than 3,000 low-powered on-street electric vehicle charging sockets in one of the UK’s largest local programmes of its kind.
The rollout will be delivered by charge point operator Char.gy following a competitive procurement process. The project is supported by the UK Government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund, known as LEVI, alongside private investment.
The programme is designed to expand access to convenient and affordable EV charging for residents who rely on on-street parking and do not have access to home charging.
Charging access for homes without driveways
A large share of the new charging points will be lamp column units, using existing council and parish council infrastructure. West Northamptonshire Council said this approach should help reduce disruption, control rollout costs and place charging closer to where residents park overnight.
The council said charge point locations have been selected through an evidence-based process, prioritising areas where residents lack off-street parking and taking account of sites suggested by local people.
The installation programme is due to begin in mid-2026.
“Drivers in West Northamptonshire will soon have thousands more reasons to go electric, with over 3,000 new public charge points rolling out thanks to £2.85m of government funding,” said Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister Keir Mather.
Mather said charging availability remains one of the biggest barriers to switching to electric vehicles, adding that the government is investing more than £600 million to expand the UK charging network.
Local rollout through existing street infrastructure
West Northamptonshire Council said it is working with parish councils to identify suitable locations for the new charging points and to support fair and accessible coverage across the area.
The programme forms part of wider efforts to prepare local transport infrastructure for future EV adoption, particularly in neighbourhoods where private driveways and domestic chargers are not available.
“This is a transformative investment in our area’s future,” said Cllr Nigel Stansfield, Cabinet Member for Environment, Recycling and Waste at West Northamptonshire Council.
He said the programme would make it easier for residents to choose cleaner travel and invest in electric vehicles if they choose to.
“Working with Char.gy allows us to scale up quickly using existing infrastructure and ensure our communities are well-prepared for the increasing demand for electric vehicles,” Stansfield said.
Reducing barriers to EV ownership
On-street charging is seen as a key part of the UK’s EV transition because many households cannot install private charge points. Lamp column chargers offer one route to expanding local charging without the same level of civil works required for some standalone infrastructure.
John Lewis, CEO of Char.gy, said the project would help residents who do not have driveways or home chargers.
“By using lamp columns on residential streets, the council is bringing charging closer to where people live, without major disruption to neighbourhoods,” Lewis said.
He added that Char.gy would work with the council to deliver a reliable and affordable on-street network.
Residents will be updated on installation timelines, locations and guidance through West Northamptonshire Council webpages, Char.gy’s website and council social media channels.
FAQs
How many EV charging sockets will be installed in West Northamptonshire?
The programme is expected to deliver more than 3,000 low-powered on-street EV charging sockets.
Who will deliver the West Northamptonshire EV charging programme?
Char.gy has been appointed to lead the rollout following a competitive procurement process.
How is the programme being funded?
The rollout is supported by the UK Government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund and private investment.
Who is the programme designed to help?
The programme focuses on residents who rely on on-street parking and do not have access to a driveway or private home charger.
When will installation begin?
The installation programme is due to begin in mid-2026.
