Bedford Borough Council has today, Thursday 20 February, launched a tender for the installation and operation of new electric vehicle (EV) charge points across the borough. This initiative is part of the council’s commitment to supporting residents in the transition to electric vehicles and is being delivered through the government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) scheme.
The council has secured £1,010,000 in funding from the government for this project. This funding will be combined with private investment from the successful charge point operator.
Through consultation, the council’s EV Strategy has identified key locations for an initial 256 chargers, predominately 7kW, across the borough. Working closely with the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV), the council anticipates the chosen operator will match the grant funding with private investment, delivering a minimum of a further 256 public charge points over the term of the contract, which runs until 2040.
Councillor Nicola Gribble, Portfolio Holder for Environment at Bedford Borough Council, said; “This is a significant step forward in our commitment to creating a sustainable transport network for Bedford Borough. By increasing the number of public charge points, we are empowering residents to make the switch to electric vehicles with confidence.
“This project, supported by government funding and private investment, will not only improve air quality but also contribute to our wider efforts to tackle climate change. We believe this initiative will be instrumental in supporting residents as we move towards the 2035 deadline for the end of new petrol and diesel car sales.”
The tender process is expected to take several months, with the contract award anticipated in Summer 2025 and the new contract beginning in the Autumn.
This investment will create an accessible charge point network for residents across Bedford Borough, making it easier for them to switch to electric vehicles. The increased availability of charge points in local areas will be a significant benefit, supporting residents in making the transition to cleaner, greener transport.
The LEVI scheme aims to increase the number of public charge points, particularly for residents without access to their own off-street parking. This will provide charging opportunities for all residents, supporting the national move towards electric vehicles in line with the end of new petrol and diesel car sales in 2035. This project forms a key part of the council’s EV Strategy 2024-27, which can be found at www.bedford.gov.uk/electricvehicles