A new project between local authorities and UK Power Networks will help end electric vehicle charging blackspots, supporting the switch to EVs.

The project will support communities in getting more charge points into areas that need them at the lowest cost to EV drivers

The ‘Charge Collective’ pilot project has been launched by the electricity network operator to help ensure drivers have the confidence to transition to electric vehicles and has already signed up five local councils in Cambridge, Norwich and London.

By sharing data and expertise, the local authorities will help UK Power Networks to identify charge point blackspots. The network operator will then hold a competition to incentivise investors to bid at the lowest cost to deliver the priority charge points.

UK Power Networks will collaborate with Cambridge City and Cambridgeshire County Councils, Norwich City Council, Norfolk County Council and the London Borough of Redbridge, identifying areas that have yet to install enough electric vehicle chargers and would benefit from improved air quality. These are likely to be in towns, where populations are denser and there is less off-street parking.

The scheme will also develop a framework to measure the wider environmental and social benefits of better air quality and reduced emissions that come with more people driving EVs – in line with the Government’s planned 2030 ban on petrol/diesel new cars and vans.

Ian Cameron, head of customer services and innovation at UK Power Networks, said: “Electricity networks have a key role in enabling the uptake of electric vehicles so that the country can meet its Net Zero commitments. This project is going to help us discover how we can support our communities to get more charge points into areas that need them at the lowest cost to consumers, ensuring that nobody is left behind.”

Charge Collective will help assess how much of a discount to connect to the electricity network is required, to encourage charge point installers to invest in areas where the market is struggling to deliver today.

UK Power Networks added that the model could be scaled up across the country if successful.

Local authorities in London, the East and South East of England that would like to find out more about the project can email innovation@ukpowernetworks.co.uk.