A major government funded Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure Programme, supported by significant private investment, is being rolled out across Kent – with Kent County Council (KCC) delivering the scheme to meet the growing demand for EV charging across the county.
The initiative is part of a national strategy to expand access to on-street charging, particularly in areas where home charging isn’t an option. More than £12 million funding has been awarded from the Department for Transport’s (DfT) Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Capital Fund, making it the largest LEVI project in England for a Local Authority. The project will be delivered without drawing on funding from KCC.
The first phase of the rollout begins in summer 2026, focusing on locations with limited off-street parking. KCC has awarded the 20-year contract to charge point operator, Urban Fox, to deliver the project, which will include installing 10,000 EV charging sockets across the county, with minimal disruption to local residents.
Urban Fox will work closely with KCC and local communities to ensure charge points are delivered in the right locations, using a range of on-street solutions designed to fit sensitively into residential environments.
The programme is part of KCC’s wider strategy to modernise transport and support innovation across Kent, including the recent programme that involved installing 200 public charge points, mainly in car parks, across the county.
Peter Osborne, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said:
“We’re pleased to support this programme because it offers practical help for residents and prepares Kent for the future. It will deliver reliable and affordable charging within walking distance of their homes, which is particularly important for people who do not have off-road parking – and it’s being delivered at no extra cost to Kent’s Council Tax payers.
‘Residents have already shared over 700 places in their local communities where they would like to see EV chargers and we’ll be assessing each of them over the coming months as the roll-out begins.”
(Picture: Kent County Council)
