Brighton & Hove signs EV chargepoint contracts with Believ and Blink

The expansion of electric vehicle infrastructure in Brighton and Hove has taken step forward with the signing of two new chargepoint contracts.

Agreements have been reached between Brighton & Hove City Council and operators Blink and Believ to install and operate more than 1,200 fast, rapid and ultra-rapid chargepoints across the city.

These deals following signing of a contract with Char.gy to deliver more than 6,000 new lamppost chargepoints. The Char.gy contract will see 1,800 units installed in the next three years.

Supported by £2.8m from the Department for Transport’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund, the three EV infrastructure contracts will boost the city's existing network of 500 chargepoints.

Cllr Trevor Muten, cabinet member for transport and city infrastructure said: “This is great news for the expansion of chargepoints and I look forward to working in partnership with both Blink and Believ.

“Brighton & Hove is home to one of the fastest growing EV infrastructures in the country, with well over 7000 chargepoints being delivered for our city, many of those within the next three years.

“Having three different operators means charging costs will remain competitive while the number of chargepoints will ensure EV users have plenty of convenient charging options.

“Using the Department for Transport’s LEVI funding, together with private investment and our own innovation, we’re determined to provide clean, affordable and low carbon energy for transport across the city.

The contract with Blink will see the delivery of 1,000 fast chargepoints capable of delivering a full charge in 1-5 hours. Blink will offer flexible tariffs, dynamic pricing and carry out the electrification of car club bays.

Alex Calnan, managing director of Blink Charging UK, said: “It’s truly rewarding to further build upon our successful five-year history working with Brighton & Hove City Council. We’re excited and grateful to have been chosen to provide the infrastructure needed to help Brighton & Hove realise its sustainability goals while bringing reliable EV charging solutions to the area’s residents.”

Believ’s contract involves the provision of 208 rapid and ultra-rapid chargepoints, capable of delivering an 80% charge in 15 to 60 minutes. Believ will set up two ultra-rapid EV hubs and offer competitive tariffs, with discounts for local residents

Guy Bartlett, Believ chief executive, said: “We’re thrilled to be a part of Brighton & Hove’s ambitious plans for net zero transport. It’s a busy, thriving city that attracts millions of tourists each year and has a high proportion of residents without access to a driveway or means to privately charge a vehicle – for these reasons robust charging infrastructure is essential to supporting the EV transition.

“We’re also installing air quality sensors so that Brighton & Hove can monitor the change in air quality as EV uptake increases. This will prove a vital way for the council to showcase how having one of the fastest growing EV infrastructures can help deliver cleaner air for all.”