Barnet Council and char.gy set out to make public charging simple, local, and fair for residents who can’t charge at home. The partnership is already delivering rapid results, with over 500 charge points now live, including 300 installed in just six weeks.
With the contract target of 1,000 charge points already halfway achieved, Barnet is proving what’s possible when local authorities and charge point operators work hand in hand to turn strategy into real, on-street progress.
“Barnet is showing real leadership with this rollout, making it easier for people to make the switch to electric by ensuring charging is available right outside their homes.” - John Lewis, CEO, char.gy
“Lots more electric vehicle charge points is great news for Barnet residents. It's another step in the right direction as we move towards becoming a Net Zero borough by 2042.” - Cllr Alan Schneiderman, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change
Background
As London’s largest borough by population, Barnet is also one of the capital’s biggest hotspots for public charging demand.
In June 2025, Barnet Council confirmed a programme with char.gy to roll out around 1,000 additional on-street charge points, funded through a mix of ORCS grant support and char.gy investment.
Each charge point is designed to blend into residential streets using lamp-column integration, allowing quick installations, often in under two hours, and overnight charging right where residents park.
This rollout directly supports Barnet’s ambition to become a Net Zero borough by 2042, helping residents drive cleaner, quieter streets while keeping charging fair and accessible.
We heard from Barnet's residents
“I am keen on the idea of switching… hearing there are 500 installed with another 500 to go helps.” - Michael
“More charging points… dedicated bays for charging… and people checking whether they’re being used properly.” - Ben
“Electric cars are good for the environment… making prices more affordable will help more people take a chance on electric cars.” - AJ
These insights reinforced the need for scale, reliability, and clear communication, principles that shaped the rollout from day one.
Delivery at speed
Our approach focused on three priorities: speed, scale, and minimal disruption.
Lamp-column integration meant faster, low-impact installations using existing street infrastructure.
Overnight, on-street charging matched real-world parking behaviour for residents without driveways.
Phased rollout ensured steady progress, with the first 500 chargers targeted in the first few months and the remainder following over the next three years.
This approach has paid off:
First charge point installed: 23 May 2025 (Cedar Drive)
300 charge points installed within six weeks
500th charge point installed 31 August 2025 (Swan Drive, Falcon Way, and Grove Road)
Status: 504 live as of 31 August 2025
Target: 1,000 charge points over 3 years
Community impact
The pace of installation is already transforming how residents think about EV ownership:
Local access – Chargers right outside homes make EVs a practical choice for everyone, not just those with driveways.
Cleaner air – Residents are noticing the difference, with fewer diesel fumes and quieter streets.
Confidence in public charging – Clear signage, reliable performance, and dedicated bays are building everyday trust.
More residents shared their thoughts:
“I like the idea that I could charge at home without going to a petrol station… There needs to be more charging stations in Barnet, and yes, there needs to be a drive at a local level.” - Resident
“Long may it continue… more, more, more.” - Ben
“I am generally pro because you are not getting all the diesel fumes.” - Eleanor
Lessons for local authorities
Barnet’s rollout shows that rapid, community-focused progress is possible when councils and operators work in sync.
Here are a few key takeaways:
Prioritise kerbside access in areas with limited off-street parking.
Use lamp-column chargers to accelerate delivery and minimise disruption.
Plan street-by-street coverage with resident input on locations and bay management.
Back the rollout with strong operations and communication to maintain confidence.
Celebrate milestones publicly to keep residents engaged and informed.
Looking ahead
With over 500 chargers already powering up Barnet’s streets and the 1,000-unit target in sight, this partnership is proving that large-scale on-street charging can be delivered quickly, sustainably, and with residents at its heart.
The message is clear: when councils and operators share a clear goal, access accelerates.
Barnet’s success offers a model for other local authorities ready to turn climate intent into everyday convenience, one street, one lamp post, one charger at a time.