Hampshire Announces 17,000 New On‑Street EV Chargers: A Major Boost for Local Communities
Hampshire County Council has unveiled an ambitious plan to install around 17,000 new electric vehicle (EV) charging points across the county—one of the largest local‑authority‑led charging programmes in England. The scheme is designed to support residents who want to switch to cleaner transport but do not have access to private driveways or off‑street parking.
According to Hampshire County Council, “people across Hampshire are set to benefit from the introduction of around 17,000 electric vehicle charge points, with new infrastructure set to be installed in local areas where ‘off‑street’ charging from home is not an option.”
Why this matters for Hampshire residents
A significant proportion of households in Hampshire cannot charge an EV at home. RAC data shows that 33% of residents lack off‑street parking, with even higher figures in Winchester (38%), Rushmoor (38%) and Basingstoke (39%). This has long been a barrier to EV adoption, particularly in villages and towns where older housing stock limits driveway availability.
The new programme aims to remove that barrier by placing chargers directly within communities—on residential streets, in neighbourhood hubs, and in areas where demand is highest.
How the scheme will work
Hampshire County Council has secured £6.662 million from the Department for Transport’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund. This public investment has unlocked up to £90 million of private capital from the charge point operator Believ, allowing the scheme to be delivered at no cost to the County Council.
Following a competitive process, Hampshire has awarded Believ a 15‑year concession contract to install, operate and maintain the network. The scale of the programme means Hampshire is currently leading the country in local‑authority‑driven EV infrastructure.
Installations are expected to begin later this year, with around 500 chargers planned in the first 12 months. The network will include standard on‑street chargers as well as rapid charging hubs, which may support taxis and private hire vehicles.
A step towards cleaner, healthier communities
Councillor Kirsty North, Deputy Leader of Hampshire County Council, highlighted the environmental and practical benefits of the scheme, noting that it will “support the transition to cleaner transport across Hampshire” and help improve local air quality.
The programme also ensures that the County Council will receive a share of income from the charging network once operational—providing a long‑term financial return for public services.
How residents can get involved
Hampshire County Council is inviting residents to nominate locations where they believe chargers are most needed. This community‑led approach will help ensure that rural villages, smaller settlements and areas with limited parking are not overlooked.
Residents can submit suggestions via the County Council’s website: www.hants.gov.uk/transport/electric-vehicles
