Leeds City Council has partnered with charge point operator Believ to rollout a series of fast and rapid electric vehicle (EV) charge points across the district.

Charge points will be installed across several council owned car parks and publicly accessible sites, helping to deliver a low-carbon and affordable transport network, create a series of EV destinations throughout the city and support the council’s transition away from the reliance on fossil fuels.

Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said: “As a city, we aim to be the first net zero city in the UK by reducing carbon emissions and reversing the decline in biodiversity, while also supporting people to make more sustainable choices.

“Through our partnership with Believ, we move one step closer towards achieving our ambition, providing publicly accessible, affordable and sustainable transport to our residents to reduce our impact on the planet and do so in a way that improves standards of living in all of the communities in our city.”

Believ works in collaboration with partners, communities and the customers they serve to develop and deliver an EV charging network that is publicly accessible, reliable and future-proofed.

The company will own, operate and maintain the charge points, which will be delivered via its strategic delivery partner Virgin Media O2.

Guy Bartlett, CEO of Believ, said: “Leeds City Council is making significant progress towards achieving carbon neutrality, and we are delighted to deliver charge point infrastructure that helps contribute to its success. It is through these partnerships and active collaboration that we move closer to achieving cleaner air for all at no cost to the council or taxpayer."