Bedford Borough Council has launched a tender for the installation and operation of new electric vehicle (EV) charge points across the borough.
The initiative is part of the council’s commitment to supporting residents in the transition to electric vehicles and is being delivered through the UK Government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) scheme.
The council has secured £1,010,000 in funding from the government, which 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.
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, the council said.
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.”
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