One of the first local authorities to draw down on Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) funding, Brighton & Hove City Council (BHCC) is set to install over 6,000 street chargers.
This huge rollout demonstrates to other local authorities what’s possible when it comes to electrifying Britain’s streets with accessible, convenient EV chargers and is a major win for EV owners - especially those without driveways.
As the biggest EV street charging infrastructure project in the UK, by number of charge points set to be installed, this is a landmark partnership between char.gy and BHCC, valued at £130 Million. It marks the beginning of what is expected to be a transformative phase for street charging infrastructure in England - all English regions have dedicated LEVI funding to launch similar large-scale projects over the next two years.
07/04/2025: char.gy is set to deliver the UK’s largest ever street charging project, awarded by BHCC (subject to contract signature), setting the new benchmark for public charging infrastructure deployment, and delivering much needed consumer confidence to boost electric vehicles uptake.
The initiative represents a critical juncture in the ongoing transition to EVs, with over 1.3 million EVs now on UK roads. As one of the first major initiatives of its kind, it’s the beginning of a nationwide, large-scale rollout of street charging infrastructure planned for the next two years. In every region of England, local authorities have access to LEVI funding and will be launching similar-scale projects to expand public street charging access in their communities.
For the large number of English households that will rely on public infrastructure to charge their vehicles - because they don’t have access to a home charger without a driveway - these nationwide projects are set to be truly game-changing. Local street chargers eliminate the need to actually drive to a charging station, making charging far more convenient.
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 offers the lowest available rates across their network on their PAYG Night tariff of 39p/kWh (Leccy.net), helping to make EV ownership more affordable and accessible for all.
John Lewis, CEO of char.gy:
“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:
“Making charging as easy as possible is a crucial to making the switch to electric a success. Rolling out over 6,000 chargers across Brighton and Hove will make driving an Electric Vehicle easier and more convenient, especially for those without a driveway.
“It will 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 FairCharge:
“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 30% of EV drivers who can’t charge at home.”
Melanie Shufflebotham, co-founder and COO ZapMap:
“For those drivers who want to enjoy the many benefits of an electric car but who are not able to have a home charger, local provision of convenient and affordable charging is essential.”
“char.gy has been enabling streets with their cost-effective lamp post chargers for many years, and it is fantastic to see this announcement of such an extensive rollout in Brighton - the largest in any town or London Borough to date - and signals the start of a new phase of delivery of local charging at scale.”
The Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund:
The Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund, with a total value of £381 million, is provided by the government, and designed to accelerate the rollout of public EV charging infrastructure across England. Its primary goal is to expand access - particularly to on-street accessible charging infrastructure - ensuring that EV adoption is not hindered by a lack of charging options, and people without the ability to charge at home, have access to charging facilities.
Local and Combined Authorities have been allocated LEVI funding to finance the installation of public charging points in their region, and make sure charge points are installed ahead of demand, especially in areas where private investment may be limited due to lack of commercial incentive. 8 out of the 9 Combined Authorities, and 70% of local authorities now have their funding approved, or are fully approved for delivery (gov.uk).
1BHCC are one of the first councils to run their procurement, engaging the different charge point operators in the market, and award their LEVI funding. char.gy is proud to be selected as the partner for this transformative project, to operate and maintain the charging network over the next 15 years.