en.Wedoany.com Reported - Hampshire County Council has selected electric vehicle charging point operator Believ to deliver the county's largest-ever local electric vehicle infrastructure (LEVI) contract, deploying 17,180 public EV charging points across the county, supported by Believ's investment of up to £90 million.

This move marks a significant step in Hampshire's ongoing efforts to promote electric vehicles, with the majority of chargers using standard plus (22kW) sockets to meet residents' needs for long-term parking and overnight charging. The scheme aims to support residents without private driveways and ensure, where possible, that charging points are within a five-minute walk of homes. The deployment plan will also include over 800 rapid charging points (50kW and above) to meet short-term top-up needs.

The plan will deploy charging points across Hampshire. RAC data shows that one-third (33%) of the county's residents lack off-street parking, a figure rising to 38% in Winchester and Rushmoor, and reaching 39% in Basingstoke.

The project will be supported by £6.6 million in LEVI funding from Hampshire County Council, with Believ covering the remaining deployment costs through committed capital investment of up to £90 million. This financing structure enables the construction of a large-scale, future-proof charging network while minimizing reliance on public funds.

Believ will be responsible for the end-to-end delivery of the scheme, including the design, installation, operation, and long-term maintenance of the charging network. The company was selected for its proven ability in large-scale on-street deployment, strong financial backing, and experience collaborating with local governments on complex county-wide rollouts.

Accessibility is also a key consideration for the scheme, with charging points designed to comply with PAS 1899 standards where possible, reflecting a broad commitment to inclusive infrastructure.

Installation is expected to begin later this year, with plans to deploy approximately 500 charging points in the first year of the project.

Kirsty North, Deputy Leader of Hampshire County Council and Cabinet Lead for Universal Services, stated that as more people switch to electric vehicles, ensuring access to reliable and convenient charging facilities is crucial, especially for those without off-street parking. This initiative demonstrates how local authorities can combine local knowledge and national funding with private sector investment to deliver at scale, accelerate infrastructure deployment, and support the UK's green economic growth. At a time of significant pressure on local government budgets, it also shows how this can be achieved without increasing local financial burdens, while laying the foundation for the long-term growth of low-carbon transport.

Guy Bartlett, CEO of Believ, said that the partnership with Hampshire County Council enables the delivery of its largest EV charging project to date through the LEVI scheme. By combining public funding with substantial private capital, progress can be accelerated and more communities can be reached, making charging more accessible for residents across Hampshire.

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