Bedford Borough Council has partnered with charge point operator (CPO) Connected Kerb to begin an initial installation of 260 EV chargers across both urban and rural communities.
This launch marks the beginning of a major network expansion, with plans to introduce over 900 new Connected Kerb chargers across the Borough to keep pace with rising EV adoption.
Backed by government funding from the Department for Transport’s Office for Zero Emission Vehicles via the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund, Connected Kerb will fully manage the installation, maintenance, and ongoing operation of the network in partnership with the council’s highways team.
Connected Kerb chargers are able to be accessed directly in the Zapmap app, where live status and availability information is shared 24 hours a day. EV drivers can also pay for their charging at Connected Kerb chargers with the Zapmap app or with the Zapmap charging card.
Cllr Nicola Gribble (Renhold & Ravensden), portfolio holder for environment, said:
“This is a real step change to make the transition from traditional cars to EVs an easier one. Making use of the LEVI funding is one of the ways we as a Council are helping residents feel confident in making the switch to EVs. Our collaboration with Connected Kerb will ensure that all our communities benefit, both urban and rural.
“Our officers have worked to get this project set up against a challenging background of changing legislation and technical requirements in order to get the funding for this activity, and the contract was finalised and confirmed in early July. We are one of the first tranche of councils in the country to have got this far, so this is a big win for Bedford Borough. We know that EVs are a growing part of the car market share – and as they are not producing exhaust emissions, they are better for local air quality and generally better for the environment, making this a great place to visit, work and live in.”
Chris Pateman-Jones, chief executive officer of Connected Kerb, said:
“The future of transport isn’t arriving at some point down the road, it’s already here. The challenge now is making sure the infrastructure keeps pace. That’s exactly what this partnership with Bedford Borough Council is doing.
“By expanding access to EV charging across the Borough, we’re helping more residents make the switch to electric with confidence. Bedford is showing real ambition in preparing for the next generation of transport, and we’re proud to be part of that journey.”
