A major government funded Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure Programme, supported by significant private investment, is being rolled out across Kent – with Kent County Council (KCC) delivering the scheme to meet the growing demand for EV charging across the county.

The initiative is part of a national strategy to expand access to on-street charging, particularly in areas where home charging isn’t an option. More than £12 million funding has been awarded from the Department for Transport’s (DfT) Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Capital Fund, making it the largest LEVI project in England for a Local Authority. The project will be delivered without drawing on funding from KCC.

Urban Fox will work closely with KCC and local communities to ensure charge points are delivered in the right locations, using a range of on-street solutions designed to fit sensitively into residential environments.

The programme is part of KCC’s wider strategy to modernise transport and support innovation across Kent, including the recent programme that involved installing 200 public charge points, mainly in car parks, across the county.

Peter Osborne, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “We’re pleased to support this programme because it offers practical help for residents and prepares Kent for the future. It will deliver reliable and affordable charging within walking distance of their homes, which is particularly important for people who do not have off-road parking – and it’s being delivered at no extra cost to Kent’s Council Tax payers.

‘Residents have already shared over 700 places in their local communities where they would like to see EV chargers and we’ll be assessing each of them over the coming months as the roll-out begins.”

Oli Freeling-Wilkinson, CEO for Urban Fox, said: “This programme represents a significant step forward for EV charging in Kent. Being awarded the contract to deliver up to 10,000 charging sockets is a clear vote of confidence in Urban Fox’s ability to deliver at scale while keeping communities at the heart of every project.

‘Working in partnership with Kent County Council, we’ll focus on delivering accessible, reliable on-street charging in the places residents need it most, particularly for those without off-street parking. Our role goes beyond installation; we’ll be engaging local communities, supporting the council through delivery, and ensuring the network is future-ready, well maintained, and easy to use for everyone.”

Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister, Keir Mather said: “We’re building a reliable and accessible charging network in Kent with over £12 million investment to install 10,000 public chargers, making it easier than ever for local people to power up their EVs wherever they live or travel.

“We're also slashing costs and putting thousands back into people's pockets, with an extra £1.3 billion to extend the Electric Car Grant until 2030, saving drivers up to £3,750 on a new EV.”

Residents can continue to nominate their street for public chargers using an interactive map on KCC’s website: www.kent.gov.uk/onstreetev.

The website also has more information about the programme and the option to sign up to receive future updates.

KCC will consider each suggestion made and discuss with the relevant district and borough council.

Source & picture credit: Kent County Council