Working with operator Believ, Suffolk County Council is set to install around 6,000 new public electric vechile (EV) chargepoints across the county, with work to start this coming summer.

A survey last year allowed residents to suggest locations to deliver the new chargepoints, and thousands are to be installed across demanded areas as well as on residential streets. The council has additionally worked with district and borough councils and communities to identify further suitable sites.

Most chargepoints will be kerbside bollards, where drivers will be able to benefit from reduced overnight tariffs, and discounted tariffs for residents at all times. Public car parks will also see more rapid and ultra-rapid chargepoints, allowing for faster charging.

Thanks to the government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund, Suffolk County Council have received £5.3 million to get this project off the ground, alongside a further £16 million boost from operator, Believ.

Councillor Phillip Fairclough-Mutton, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member of environment, communities and equality, 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 convenient way to change.

“We are providing a solution by installing chargepoints on their street, or very nearly. Our ambition is to provide them with a public chargepoint within a five-ten minute walk or wheel.

“There are around 1.5 million EVs on the country’s roads and we need thousands of new public chargepoints in Suffolk, and we need them quickly — around 5,400 by 2030, and 12,000 by 2040. Working with Believ, our new installations will bring a significant reduction to those numbers.

“The benefits of EV ownership go beyond helping residents and businesses to reduce their carbon emissions and their impact on climate change. It means together we can contribute to Suffolk’s Climate Emergency Plan, improving Suffolk’s air quality and enabling us to live healthier lives.”