Blink Charging starts building Bradford network

Bradford Council has appointed Blink Charging deliver over 100 chargepoints. This is the first part of the a phased roll-out that will see up to 1,000 new EV chargers installed at more than 230 sites across the West Yorkshire town over the next two years.

The roll-out will prioritise locations where access to charging is currently limited, including on-street and off-street chargers and ensure improved provision for drivers with accessibility needs. 

“Bradford Council is committed to ensuring residents and visitors have access to affordable, reliable charging options,” said Cllr Sarah Ferriby, executive member for healthy people and places.

“This first phase of the LEVI program will provide new chargepoints across the district with no financial impact on the council’s budget, as the scheme is fully funded through national grants. Expanding this network will help meet growing demand and make EV ownership a more practical choice for people across the district.”

Bradford’s EV charging expansion is part of a wider West Yorkshire initiative to develop the region’s charging network and support the transition to cleaner transport. By widening access to reliable, affordable charging close to home, work and leisure destinations, the council aims to accelerate EV adoption while improving air quality and delivering a more sustainable transport system for its residents.

The chargers will be installed, owned, and operated by Blink, and managed through the Blink Charging app.

“Bradford is making impactful changes by helping to make it easier for people to charge their EVs close to home, work, and on the road,” said Alex Calnan, managing director of Europe for Blink Charging. “Blink is proud to be working with the Council to be part of this significant investment in the city’s future. Expanding Bradford’s charging network will give drivers the confidence to make the switch to EVs, helping to accelerate the adoption of electric transport.”

The scheme is financed in part by £282,000 secured by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) through the from the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) programme funding.

The LEVI fund was introduced to help drive the expansion of EV charging networks throughout the UK by supporting local authorities in installing public charging stations. By bridging the gap between national net-zero goals and practical EV adoption, LEVI is designed to make sustainable transport more accessible and convenient for communities across the country. The Bradford deployment builds on the LEVI fund’s mission to ensure that drivers without off-street parking are never far from a charging point.

“It’s fantastic to have Blink on board as we make it easier for people to switch to electric vehicles,” said Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire. “These new chargepoints closer to home will bring huge benefits to people without off-street parking and contribute to improving air quality in our communities. Investing in safe, reliable and easy-to-use chargers is vital in helping us build a greener, better-connected West Yorkshire that works for everyone.”