Worcestershire has partnered with Leicestershire, Rutland and Warwickshire County Councils on securing a £3.5m fund from the Department for Transport, alongside approximately £13m in private investment, to install new EV charging infrastructure.
Under the agreement, EZO has been appointed to deliver at least 64 rapid charge points sockets, while Connected Kerb will provide 1,700 additional lower-powered charge point sockets.
The move aims to give EV drivers in Worcestershire access to a broad mix of rapid and on-street charging options. This consortium of councils was supported by Midlands Connect, the region’s Sub-national Transport Body, in awarding the contract.
The programme is funded through the Government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund, which aims to accelerate the rollout of local, low-power on-street charging across England, and drive greater commercialisation and investment within the UK’s EV charging sector.
Councillor Tom Wells, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at Worcestershire County Council, said:
“It’s fantastic news that we now have partners in place to deliver these electric vehicle charge points across the county. We’re another step closer to delivering charge points where they’re needed, ensuring high-quality installations for those who already own an electric vehicle, as well as helping drivers to make the switch to EVs in the future.”
EZO CEO Ollie Chatten said:
“This contract is an important step in strengthening EV charging infrastructure across the region and EZO is pleased to be working with Worcestershire County Council and its partner authorities on this significant investment.”
“EZO will help deliver rapid charging that gives drivers greater confidence and supports the wider shift to cleaner transport. Our focus will be on providing a dependable, user-friendly network that works for residents, businesses and visitors alike.”
Chris Pateman Jones, CEO, Connected Kerb, added:
“We’re delighted to be working with Worcestershire County Council, alongside Leicestershire, Warwickshire and Rutland, on this important step to increase on street EV charging across the county.
“As part of the wider Midlands Connect programme, more than 6,600 charging sockets will be delivered across the region, helping Worcestershire be part of a shared regional effort to make cleaner, more sustainable travel easier for everyone.”
Maria Machancoses, Chief Executive of Midlands Connect, said:
“This is a fantastic example of what strong regional partnership working can deliver. By collaborating across the Midlands, local authorities have secured significant public and private investment that will make a real difference to communities, helping expand EV charging infrastructure at scale and supporting the transition to cleaner, greener transport.”
“It shows the power of working together to turn ambitious plans into tangible outcomes, benefiting communities, businesses and the wider economy.
“We are collaborating to reduce duplication, maximise efficiency, and ensure every pound delivers the greatest possible impact.”
Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister Keir Mather said:
“We’re giving local people in Worcestershire the confidence they need to go electric with £3.5 million to rollout over 1,700 more public charge points, providing both rapid and on-street charging so drivers can rest assured they’ll be able to charge up wherever they live or travel.
“Charging availability is one of the biggest barriers to switching. That’s why we invested an extra £600m to speed up charger rollout, and saving families money on the upfront cost of an EV, as our Electric Car Grant has already saved more than 100,000 drivers up to £3,750 on a new EV.”
Image courtesy of Green Car Guide
