Brighton & Hove to dramatically expand EV chargepoint provision

Char.gy wins contract to supply 6,000 lamppost chargepoints

Brighton & Hove City Council is planning to significantly increase the number of public electric vehicle chargepoints it provides for residents, businesses and visitors over the next 15 years.

A new contract has been agreed with Char.gy to install and operate more than 6,000 new lamppost chargepoints, with 1,800 set to be installed in the next three years.

The kerbside charging contract is the first of three to be agreed. Two more will see the installation of: 1,000 fast chargepoints (8kW and 50kW); 200 rapid and ultra-rapid chargepoints (50kW and above); two ultra-rapid EV hubs; and flexible tariffs.

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

The operators will be responsible for installing, operating and maintaining the chargepoints as well as managing the customer experience.

Cllr Trevor Muten, cabinet member for transport and city infrastructure, said: “Brighton & Hove is already one of the leading cities for electric vehicle charging infrastructure and these new contracts will see us lead the way for the future of public EV charging. I look forward to our partnership with Char.gy providing sustainable charging for our city for many years.

“It’s vital we stay ahead of the growing demand for electric vehicles so that residents, businesses and visitors can all be confident they can find a chargepoint close to their homes, business or when they come to visit.

“The Department for Transport’s LEVI funding and our own commitment and ambition to providing clean, affordable and low carbon energy for transport is essential in helping us to achieve net zero in the city.”

John Lewis, CEO of Char.gy, said: “Char.gy is delighted to have been selected as the chargepoint operator in partnership with Brighton & Hove City Council for this important contract. This collaboration represents a key step in expanding the city’s EV charging infrastructure, helping to create a reliable, accessible, and sustainable network for both residents and visitors.

“By working closely with Brighton & Hove, we look forward to delivering a high-quality, long-lasting solution that meets the needs of the community, accelerates the shift to electric mobility and support the council’s vision for a greener, more connected future.”

Future of roads minister Lilian Greenwood said: “Making EV charging easier and more seamless with our everyday lives is vital, so it is fantastic to see Brighton & Hove Council confirm it will deliver more than 6,000 lamppost chargepoints across the area thanks to our funding boost.

“We’re investing £4bn to help drivers and industry switch to electric, while securing global trade deals and driving investment to support jobs and put money in the pockets of working people – all part of the Plan for Change.”

Brighton & Hove's chargepoint contracts

The new EV charging contracts are being awarded in 3 lots:

Lot 1 – awarded to Char.gy

• 6,133 chargepoints to be delivered – 1,800 in first three years
• Day and night tariffs
• Dedicated local service engineers.

Lot 2 – subject to contract agreement

• 1,000 chargepoints to be delivered – 350 with LEVI subsidy, remainder to be installed based on utilisation and demand
• Flexible tariffs, dynamic pricing
• Electrification of car club bays.

Lot 3 – subject to contract agreement

• 208 rapid chargepoints
• 2 flagship ultra-rapid EV hubs
• Competitive tariffs with discounts for blue light employees and local residents.