Hampshire County Council has partnered with operator Believ to deploy 17,180 public electric vehicle chargers, marking England’s largest Local EV Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund deal to date.

The massive rollout prepares Hampshire for widespread EV adoption by focusing for the most part on 22kW sockets tailored for long-stay and overnight residential charging. Strategically designed for drivers without private driveways, the blue print ensures public charge points are positioned within a five-minute walk of local households wherever possible. To complement these neighbourhood hubs, the network will also deploy more than 800 rapid chargers (50kW+) to accommodate faster top-ups.

The charge points will be delivered across Hampshire. RAC data shows that a third (33%) of the county’s residents don’t have access to off-street parking, with that figure rising to 38% in Winchester and Rushmoor and 39% in Basingstoke.

The project will be supported by £6.6m of LEVI funding from Hampshire County Council, with Believ funding the remainder of the rollout through committed capital investment of up to £90m. This funding structure enables the delivery of a large‑scale, future‑ready charging network while minimising reliance on public finances.

Decarbonisation Minister Keir Mather said the 17,000 new public EV chargers, backed by a £6.6m government investment, would give residents the confidence to make the switch wherever they live or travel.

Guy Bartlett, CEO of Believ, added: “This partnership with Hampshire County Council enables the largest EV charging programme delivered through the LEVI scheme to date. By combining public funding with significant private capital, we can move faster, reach more communities and make charging more accessible for residents all across Hampshire.”

Believ will be responsible for the end‑to‑end delivery of the programme, including design, installation, operation and long‑term maintenance of the charging network. The company was selected for its proven ability to deliver mass on‑street deployments at scale, supported by strong financial backing and experience working with local authorities on complex, countywide rollouts.

Accessibility has also been a key consideration within the programme, with charge points designed to be PAS 1899‑compliant wherever possible, reflecting a broader commitment to inclusive infrastructure.

Installations are expected to begin later this year, with around 500 charge points planned for delivery in the first year of the programme.

Councillor Kirsty North, Hampshire County Council’s deputy leader and cabinet lead for universal services, said: “As more people look to switch to EVs, ensuring access to reliable, convenient charging is essential – particularly for those without off-street parking. This initiative demonstrates how local authorities can combine local knowledge and national funding with private sector investment to unlock delivery at scale, accelerate infrastructure rollout, and support the growth of the UK’s green economy.

“At a time when local government budgets are under significant pressure, it also shows how this can be achieved without adding to the burden on local finances, while laying the foundations for long-term growth in low-carbon transport.”