Information about electric vehicle (EV) charging and our plans to expand the borough’s charge point network.
EV charging in Bedford Borough
In line with government targets to end the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2035, we support the use of low emission vehicles as an important element in the transition to a low carbon economy. Our Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy (PDF) sets out our approach to EV charging in Bedford Borough.
Government grants to assist with the cost of installing a charge point in some types of homes when you switch to using an EV. Some funding may also be available from car companies when you purchase an EV, or from energy companies.
Where to charge your EV in Bedford Borough
Charge points are available in many council-run car parks and at on-street locations in some residential areas of Bedford Borough.
You can check the locations and view live data for available charge points on websites such as Zap Map. Please note that Zap Map is independent of Bedford Borough Council and may not be comprehensive; other services are available.
Some EV owners make their home charge points available for hire via services such as Co-Charger (other services are available).
Council-run charging bays can only be used for charging an electric vehicle, and anyone else who parks in these bays is liable to receive a Penalty Charge Notice. To report a vehicle illegally occupying a charging bay, see our illegally parked vehicles page.
Future plans - Drive Electric Bedford Borough
The Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Programme
Drive Electric Bedford Borough is developing an accessible and reliable new on-street public charge point network across the borough.
Bedford Borough Council has secured £1,010,000 in grant funding as part of the government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure programme. This scheme seeks to support the public shift to electric vehicles as part of the national target of ending the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2035.
The project focuses primarily on installing charging provision in residential areas without access to off-street parking, such as driveways or garages.
Potential locations for our intended initial 256 new charge points were identified using specialised forecasting tools and through feedback during our EV consultation in 2023. The list of these locations can be found in our EV Charging Strategy (PDF).
In addition to this, it is anticipated that further new charge points will be installed at sites across Bedford Borough across the lifespan of the project.
You can nominate your street or area as a location for a new charge point by emailing travel-electric@bedford.gov.uk.
Suggestions will be investigated, with installation subject to sites meeting Highways constraints, connection viability and funding availability.
EV Car Club
Bedford Borough Council operates an EV car club with Enterprise Car Club, with one EV available to hire from Riverside car park.
Government grant funding for charge points
The government has several grant schemes available to support eligible residents and business owners with the infrastructure and installation costs of electric vehicle charging points.
Find out more about the schemes by following the links to the Government’s website below.