North Northamptonshire Council has agreed a partnership with chargepoint operator Connected Kerb to install more than 1,500 new public electric vehicle charging sockets over the next three to five years, expanding local infrastructure as part of the UK’s transition to cleaner transport.
The programme is co-funded by Connected Kerb and supported by £2.9 million from the UK government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund. Once completed, the rollout is expected to increase the council’s public charging network by a factor of three, from around 525 sockets currently available to at least 2,000 by 2030.
Under the agreement, Connected Kerb will deploy a mix of on-street and destination chargers equipped with smart charging technology, allowing users to charge during off-peak periods when electricity costs are lower and grid carbon intensity is reduced. Fully accessible charging bays will also be installed at council-owned car parks.
Installations are planned at around 320 new locations, covering all 12 towns within the authority area, more than 20 villages and at least 20 council car parks. The council said the wide geographic spread is intended to ensure reliable access to charging for residents without off-street parking, as well as businesses and visitors.
“With government funding and the support of our delivery partner Connected Kerb, we’re making a practical investment in our local infrastructure that will benefit residents, businesses and visitors across North Northamptonshire for years to come,” said Councillor Chris McGiffen, executive member for highways and travel at North Northamptonshire Council. He added that the programme aims to “ensure reliable charging is available close to home” and to give people greater confidence to switch to electric vehicles.
Chris Pateman-Jones, chief executive of Connected Kerb, described the project as one of the most ambitious regional charging programmes. “By rolling out over 1,500 new charging sockets, the council is making sure that EV charging is not just available, but accessible and reliable for everyone – especially households without off-street parking,” he said.
The LEVI-backed rollout forms part of the North Northamptonshire Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy 2024–2030, which outlines the council’s approach to supporting EV adoption and reducing transport-related emissions across the area.
