Suffolk County Council has begun a major expansion of public electric vehicle charging with the installation of the county’s first charge point funded through the government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure scheme.
The installation, delivered by charge point operator Believ, marks the start of a large-scale rollout that will see thousands of new public chargers introduced across Suffolk in the coming years. The work forms part of the council’s Plug in Suffolk Project.
The programme is backed by £5.3 million in government funding provided through the LEVI scheme and administered by the Department for Transport. Believ is contributing an additional £16 million and will be responsible for installing, operating and maintaining the new charging infrastructure. The project is Believ’s first deployment supported by LEVI funding.
The first charge points, installed in Ipswich, are designed for longer stays and overnight use and intended to serve nearby residents without access to private driveways or off-street parking. The site includes infrastructure that meets PAS 1899 accessibility standards, helping to ensure public charge points are usable by a wide range of drivers.
Further installations are planned in residential neighbourhoods across the county, with the goal of improving everyday access to EV charging. Suffolk drivers will also be able to benefit from a discounted local members tariff, offering reduced charging rates for residents.
Launched in 2018, Plug in Suffolk has set a long-term objective of ensuring every resident is within a five- to 10-minute walk or wheel of a public charge point. Alongside the charger rollout, Believ is installing air quality sensors to support the council’s efforts to monitor pollution and reduce emissions from road transport.
Councillor Richard Rout, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Devolution, Local Government Reorganisation and NSIPs, said: ‘The installation of the first charge point in the Suffolk and Believ partnership is a significant milestone for the Plug in Suffolk project. By working with Believ, we’re able to rapidly expand public charging infrastructure, helping more people who wish to do so make the switch to electric.
‘We’re doing this in a measured way, ensuring no on-street parking is lost and not imposing any restrictions – meaning, whatever car they drive, residents can continue to park outside their homes.
‘We have been receiving communications from residents who are excited about the installation of charge points outside of their homes, telling us that this infrastructure is going to help them and their neighbours make the move to more sustainable transport.’
Photo (L to R): Claire Ling, Suffolk County Council; Amy Rushton, Suffolk County Council; Matt Hullis, Suffolk County Council; Darren Harris, Believ; Matthew Ling, Suffolk County Council; Charlene Carroll, Believ
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