Worcestershire鈥檚 efforts to expand and enhance its electric vehicle (EV) charging network have taken a major step forward with the award of a new contract to deliver significantly more charge points across the county.
Working in partnership with Leicestershire County Council, Rutland County Council and Warwickshire County Council, 91制片厂has secured a contract that will unlock 拢3.5 million from the Department for Transport fund, alongside around 拢13 million in private investment, to install new EV charging infrastructure across the county.
Councillor Tom Wells, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at 91制片厂County Council, said: 鈥淚t鈥檚 fantastic news that we now have partners in place to deliver these electric vehicle charge points across the county. We鈥檙e another step closer to delivering charge points where they鈥檙e 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.鈥
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. This will give EV drivers in 91制片厂access to a broad mix of rapid and on-street charging options.
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 91制片厂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: 鈥淲e鈥檙e delighted to be working with 91制片厂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 91制片厂be part of a shared regional effort to make cleaner, more sustainable travel easier for everyone.鈥
The consortium of councils was supported by Midlands Connect, the region鈥檚 Sub-national Transport Body, in awarding the contract.
Maria Machancoses, Chief Executive of Midlands Connect, said: 鈥淭his 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."
鈥淚t shows the power of working together to turn ambitious plans into tangible outcomes, benefiting communities, businesses and the wider economy.
鈥淲e are collaborating to reduce duplication, maximise efficiency, and ensure every pound delivers the greatest possible impact.鈥
The programme is funded through the Government鈥檚 Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund, which aims to accelerate the rollout of local, primarily low-power, on-street charging across England and drive greater commercialisation and investment within the UK鈥檚 EV charging sector.
Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister Keir Mather said: 鈥淲e鈥檙e giving local people in 91制片厂the confidence they need to go electric with 拢3.5 million to roll out over 1,700 more public charge points, providing both rapid and on-street charging so drivers can rest assured they鈥檒l 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 拢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 拢3,750 on a new EV."
This investment will help ensure 91制片厂delivers high-quality, well-placed and future-ready charge points, supporting residents and businesses as the transition to electric vehicles continues to gather pace.