WORCESTERSHIRE’S efforts to expand and enhance its electric vehicle (EV) charging network have taken a major step forward with the award of a new contract to deliver significantly more charge points across the county.
Working in partnership with Leicestershire County Council, Rutland County Council and Warwickshire County Council, Worcestershire has secured a contract that will unlock £3.5 million from the Department for Transport fund, alongside around £13 million in private investment, to install new EV charging infrastructure across the county.
Councillor Tom Wells, cabinet member for highways and transport at Worcestershire County Council, said: “It’s fantastic news that we now have partners in place to deliver these electric vehicle charge points across the county.
“We’re another step closer to delivering charge points where they’re needed, ensuring high-quality installations for those who already own an electric vehicle, as well as helping drivers to make the switch to EVs in the future.”
Under the agreement, EZO has been appointed to deliver at least 64 rapid charge points sockets, while Connected Kerb will provide 1,700 additional lower-powered charge point sockets. This will give EV drivers in Worcestershire access to a broad mix of rapid and on-street charging options.
EZO CEO Ollie Chatten said: “This contract is an important step in strengthening EV charging infrastructure across the region and EZO is pleased to be working with Worcestershire County Council and its partner authorities on this significant investment.
“EZO will help deliver rapid charging that gives drivers greater confidence and supports the wider shift to cleaner transport. Our focus will be on providing a dependable, user-friendly network that works for residents, businesses and visitors alike.”
Chris Pateman‑Jones, CEO, Connected Kerb, added: “We’re delighted to be working with Worcestershire County Council, alongside Leicestershire, Warwickshire and Rutland, on this important step to increase on‑street EV charging across the county.
“As part of the wider Midlands Connect programme, more than 6,600 charging sockets will be delivered across the region, helping Worcestershire be part of a shared regional effort to make cleaner, more sustainable travel easier for everyone.”
The consortium of councils was supported by Midlands Connect, the region’s Sub-national Transport Body, in awarding the contract.
Maria Machancoses, chief executive of Midlands Connect, said: “This is a fantastic example of what strong regional partnership working can deliver. By collaborating across the Midlands, local authorities have secured significant public and private investment that will make a real difference to communities, helping expand EV charging infrastructure at scale and supporting the transition to cleaner, greener transport.
“It shows the power of working together to turn ambitious plans into tangible outcomes, benefiting communities, businesses and the wider economy.
“We are collaborating to reduce duplication, maximise efficiency, and ensure every pound delivers the greatest possible impact.”
The programme is funded through the Government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund, which aims to accelerate the rollout of local, primarily low-power, on-street charging across England and drive greater commercialisation and investment within the UK’s EV charging sector.
