Char.gy has been appointed to lead the rollout of 3,000 electric vehicle (EV) chargers, funded through the Government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund and backed by substantial private investment.
The programme focuses on increasing access to convenient and affordable charging for residents who rely on on-street parking and currently lack home-charging options.
A large proportion of the new chargers will be lamp column units, making use of existing council and parish council infrastructure to minimise disruption and ensure a cost-effective rollout.
Installation of the new on-street chargers is due to begin in mid 2026, with the locations having been selected through a robust, evidence-based process prioritising residents without off-street parking and sites suggested by residents.
All of char.gy's charge points can be accessed and paid for directly within the Zapmap app, where live status and availability information is shared 24 hours a day.
Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister Keir Mather, said:
“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 £2.85m 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.”
Cllr Nigel Stansfield, Cabinet Member for Environment, Recycling and Waste at WNC, said:
“This is a transformative investment in our area’s future. By delivering thousands of accessible, convenient and fairly priced on-street charging points, we are making it easier for residents to choose cleaner travel and invest in electric vehicles if they choose to.
“Working with Char.gy allows us to scale up quickly using existing infrastructure and ensure our communities are well-prepared for the increasing demand for electric vehicles. This is a major step toward a more sustainable West Northants, and I’m pleased to see this ambitious programme moving forward.”
John Lewis, char.gy CEO, said:
“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.
“We’re proud to be working with West Northamptonshire Council to deliver a reliable and affordable on-street charging network that supports local residents and helps make switching to an electric vehicle a practical option for everyone.”
