More than 6,000 electric car chargers are set to be installed as part of Labour's pledge to help more drivers make the switch to EVs.
Suffolk County Council has partnered with charge point operator Believ to deliver approximately 6,000 new electric vehicle charging points across the county.
The £21.3million project aims to support residents in making the transition to electric vehicles, particularly those without off-street parking.
The initiative will see thousands of charging points installed on residential streets and in public car parks throughout Suffolk.
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The chargers are set to be installed across the county later this year
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This significant infrastructure project represents one of the largest EV charging rollouts in a UK county.
The new charging network will provide a mixture of kerbside units for overnight charging and rapid chargers in public car parks for quicker top-ups.
The funding for this ambitious project comes from a successful £5.3million bid to the Government's Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund.
This government funding is complemented by over £16million investment from EV chargepoint operator Believ.
The LEVI fund specifically supports local authorities to deliver charging infrastructure for residents without off-street parking.
Suffolk County Council has achieved a significant milestone as the first local authority in England to both award its LEVI main funding tender and subsequently sign a contract with an operator.
Councillor Philip Fairclough-Mutton, Suffolk County Council's Cabinet Member for Environment, Communities and Equality, highlighted the importance of the project.
He said: "25 per cent of Suffolk households don't have a driveway and park on their street. This is a significant barrier for people who would like an EV, as they have no convenient way to charge."
The council aims to provide residents with a public charge point within a five or 10-minute walk. Many of the locations have been suggested by local residents following a survey conducted last year.
The EV charger rollout will contribute to Suffolk's Climate Emergency Plan, which aims to improve the county's air quality.
The installation of the new charging points is set to begin in Summer 2025, with thousands to be installed on residential streets across Suffolk.
Drivers will benefit from an overnight off-peak tariff and a dedicated resident's tariff with discounted charging at all times. Public car parks will also receive rapid and ultra-rapid charge points, allowing for quicker charging options.
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Matthew Ling and Amy Rushton of Suffolk County Council, Charlie Allen and Steve Beer of Believ
SUFFOLK COUNTY COUNCIL
Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood expressed support for the initiative, stating: "Making charging as easy as possible is a crucial ingredient to make the switch to electric a success.
"Rolling out over 6,000 charging sockets across Suffolk will make driving an EV easier and more convenient, especially for those without a driveway.
"The switch to electric will power growth, cut emissions and improve lives in Suffolk and beyond, as we continue to support jobs, attract investment and secure our future as part of our Plan for Change."
