Council plans to introduce 17,000 EV chargers

Electric vehicle drivers are set to benefit from the introduction of 17,000 new charging points across a county.

Hampshire County Council has said it plans to install the new infrastructure in local areas where off-street charging from people's homes is not an option.

The government has given more than £6.6m for the £90m scheme, which is supported by investment from charge point operator, Believ, which was awarded a 15-year contract to run the network.

Installations are expected to begin later this year, with around 500 charge points planned for delivery in the first year of the programme.

Rapid charge points will also be delivered which could include charging hubs for taxis and private hire vehicles.

Councillor Kirsty North, Hampshire County Council's deputy leader and cabinet lead for universal services, said they are encouraging residents to nominate locations where they would like to see charge points installed.

She added: "This expansion of charge points significantly accelerates our efforts to meet rising demand from residents for convenient and reliable electric vehicle charging close to home.

"Importantly, I'm pleased that we can deliver this major roll out at no cost to the county council."

The local authority said it will also receive a portion of income from the scheme once operational.

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