West Northamptonshire Council has appointed Char.gy to install more than 3,000 on-street electric vehicle charging sockets as part of what the authority describes as one of the United Kingdom’s most ambitious local charging infrastructure programmes.
The contract was awarded following a competitive tender process and will be supported by funding from the UK Government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund alongside substantial private sector investment.
Lamppost chargers to support residents
The rollout will primarily consist of EV chargers retrofitted to existing street lighting columns at council and parish-owned locations.
The programme is designed to improve charging access for residents without private driveways or off-street parking, with the council aiming to offer competitively priced public charging.
While user tariffs have yet to be announced, installation is scheduled to begin in mid-2026.
Char.gy has not confirmed which charging hardware will be deployed, although the company has previously installed its Flow range of lamppost chargers at similar projects across the UK.
The chargers feature Type 2 connectors, are available in 5kW and 7kW variants, support contactless card and mobile app payments, and are compatible with ISO 15118 Plug & Charge technology.
Government backs charging expansion
UK Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister Keir Mather said the project would help remove one of the key barriers to electric vehicle adoption.
“Drivers in West Northamptonshire will soon have thousands more reasons to go electric, with over 3,000 new public charge points rolling out thanks to £2.85 million of government funding. We know charging availability is one of the biggest barriers to switching, which is why we’re tackling it head on with over £600 million to rapidly expand the UK’s charging network so drivers can charge at home or on the go with confidence, wherever they are.”
Char.gy Chief Executive Officer John Lewis said the project would bring charging infrastructure closer to households without dedicated parking.
“This investment will make a real difference to people across West Northamptonshire who don’t have driveways or home chargers. By using lamp columns on residential streets, the Council is bringing charging closer to where people live, without major disruption to neighbourhoods.”
