MORE than 460 electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints will be installed across Wokingham Borough as part of a plan to help residents and businesses embrace the technology.
The council is among the first in the country to award a contract to a supplier under the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund.
It will be working with Believ to set up a comprehensive and inclusive chargepoint network by 2030, which will be powered by 100% renewable energy.
The Department for Transport (DfT) will contribute £264,000 through LEVI funding, while Believ will invest over ten times that amount and will install, operate and maintain the network.
Most chargepoints will be installed at the kerbside for long-stay or overnight use, with some rapid or ultra-rapid units installed in public car parks for faster top-ups.
The pricing will include reduced rates at off-peak hours to make EV charging accessible to everyone, including low-income households.
Half the chargepoints will be installed within the first year of the contract, with the rest to be installed within the second year.
Locations are yet to be confirmed, but the scheme will be primarily aimed at supporting those households that are unable to have a charger at home.
To ensure the most value and benefit to residents, the council will prioritise areas where many properties don’t have their own off-street parking like a garage or driveway.
Believ will also carry out additional community work including, science and technology education in schools; apprenticeships with the Energy Trust; EV training for local mechanics; Donations for tree planting, and fully funded broadband installations for local charities or community groups
The council has also been awarded £115,620 under the LEVI Capability Fund for the 2025/26 financial year, which will fund in-house expertise for planning, installing and managing EV charging infrastructure.
This is on top of the £282,000 which it has received in total for the 2022/23, 2023/24 and 2024/25 financial years.
Cllr Adrian Betteridge, executive member for active travel, transport and highways, said: “We’re proud to be leading the way in making EVs more accessible for local people.
“Alongside making it easier and safer to walk, cycle or take public transport, EVs can significantly reduce the environmental impact of driving.
“With new petrol and diesel vehicles set to be phased out by 2030, and a zero-emission requirement from 2035, many local people are thinking about switching – and we’re here to support that.”
The news follows the installation of 38 EV chargepoints at 18 locations across the borough in 2023, funded through DfT’s On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS) plus supplier contributions
The council has since agreed an EV Charging Strategy to fill any gaps left by the private market, creating a fair and accessible network.
Future of Roads Minister Lillian Greenwood said: “Making EV charging easier and more seamless with our everyday lives is vital to achieve our net-zero goals.
“It’s fantastic to see Wokingham Borough Council confirm they will be installing charge points thanks to our funding boost, alongside private investment.
“We’re investing over £4 billion to help drivers and industry switch to electric, while securing global trade deals and driving investment to support jobs and put money in the pockets of working people – all part of delivering on our Plan for Change.”
The council also recently supported an EV awareness event which took place at Winnersh Triangle Business Park and was attended by more than 200 people.
Guests could test drive a range of EVs and find out more about the savings benefits and available grants, while meeting EV dealers and infrastructure suppliers.
Some 160 test drives were undertaken, with 40 vehicles from 17 different brands on offer, and surveys afterwards showed a high level of interest.
The event was open to everyone and organised in partnership with Let’s Experience Electric, Winnersh Triangle Business Park and all six Berkshire councils.
The business park kindly provided the venue and supporting equipment free of change.
For information, visit: wokingham.gov.uk
