Suffolk expands EV charging network with 60+ new community sites

Why it matters: This expansion addresses the growing demand for EV charging points, especially in rural areas often overlooked by private companies, and those where residents can't charge their vehicles at home.

By the numbers:

• 63 new sites will receive fast-charging facilities

• 25 existing charge points will be adopted under a new contract

• £7.3 million secured from the Government's Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund

• £1.4 million allocated for community charging infrastructure

• £5.9 million earmarked for on-street charging development

The big picture: With over 1 million electric vehicles now on UK roads, robust charging infrastructure is critical.

What they're saying:

• Councillor Philip Faircloth-Mutton, Cabinet Member for Environment, Communities and Equality: "We're doubling the amount of sites which will see a Plug In Suffolk installation, meaning nearly 100 locations across the county."

• Andrew Farrow, Centre Manager at Needham Market Community Centre: "We're really excited that Plug In Suffolk is giving us the opportunity to install brand new chargepoints at our community centre."

The project aims to support EV adoption in areas typically overlooked by private companies, particularly rural communities.

How many will be in Ipswich? Suffolk County Council was unable to provide a breakdown of the sites or confirm the number of sites in Ipswich, as locations are currently undergoing final electrical and site surveys. They will share further details once the sites have been finalised.

Opinion

Given the project's focus on rural communities, I predict a low number of sites in Ipswich. But I hope to be proven wrong.

Further details:

• Connected Kerb, an award-winning EV charging company, will install the new community chargepoints and adopt existing ones.

• Host venues will receive a net profit share from every kilowatt sold.

• All costs, including electricity and maintenance, will be covered by Connected Kerb.

What's next: Plans for on-street charging development are set to unfold later this year, utilising the remaining £5.9 million of LEVI funding.

Your views: Would you buy an electric car if more community charging points were available in the town? I'd love to know.