Hampshire County Council has selected EV charging operator Believ to deliver 17,180 public electric vehicle charge points across the county under what is being described as the largest project awarded through the UK government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) scheme to date.
The rollout combines £6.6 million in public funding from Hampshire County Council with up to £90 million in private investment from Believ, creating a total infrastructure programme valued at approximately £96.6 million.
Focus on Residential Charging Access
The majority of the planned installations will consist of 22 kW AC charge points designed to support overnight and long-duration residential charging, particularly for residents without access to private driveways or home charging facilities.
Hampshire County Council said the objective is to ensure that public charging infrastructure is available within a five-minute walk of households wherever possible.
In addition to residential chargers, the network will include more than 800 rapid charging points capable of delivering 50 kW or more, providing faster charging options for drivers making shorter stops.
Supporting Drivers Without Off-Street Parking
The project is intended to address one of the key barriers to EV adoption in the county: the lack of access to private charging.
According to RAC data cited by the council, approximately 33% of Hampshire residents do not have off-street parking. The proportion is even higher in some areas, reaching 38% in Winchester and Rushmoor and 39% in Basingstoke.
The LEVI programme was created by the UK government to help local authorities expand public charging infrastructure for residents who cannot easily install home charging equipment.
Installations Begin Later This Year
Believ will be responsible for the design, installation, operation, and long-term maintenance of the charging network.
Deployment is scheduled to begin later this year, with around 500 charge points expected to be installed during the first year of the programme.
Public and Private Investment Partnership
“As more people look to switch to EVs, ensuring access to reliable, convenient charging is essential – particularly for those without off-street parking,” said Councillor Kirsty North, Hampshire County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Lead for Universal Services.
“This initiative demonstrates how local authorities can combine local knowledge and national funding with private sector investment to unlock delivery at scale, accelerate infrastructure rollout, and support the growth of the UK’s green economy.”
Believ CEO Guy Bartlett said the partnership represents a major milestone for the UK’s public charging infrastructure rollout.
“This partnership with Hampshire County Council enables the largest EV charging programme delivered through the LEVI scheme to date,” Bartlett said.
“By combining public funding with significant private capital, we can move faster, reach more communities and make charging more accessible for residents all across Hampshire.”
The project is expected to play a significant role in supporting EV adoption across southern England as the UK continues efforts to expand charging infrastructure and accelerate the transition to zero-emission transport.
