Brighton & Hove is poised to become the UK’s leader in electric vehicle infrastructure as the city council reveals an ambitious expansion plan following a successful funding bid. The city has already installed over 400 charge points, including lamp post chargers and rapid charging stations, establishing a solid foundation for the planned expansion.
The shift will introduce 208 new rapid and ultra-rapid charging bays between December 2024 and January 2025, effectively quadrupling the city’s rapid charging capability. This rollout represents a significant technological leap, as ultra-rapid units can deliver a 20%-80% charge in just 15-20 minutes—a dramatic improvement over standard rapid chargers that require 45-60 minutes for the same charge level.
Private sector investment has been essential to this initiative, with charging operator Believ committing approximately £5 million without requiring additional public funding. The partnership extends beyond financing, as Believ will manage installation, operation, and maintenance of the new infrastructure, while also serving as the official charging partner for the London to Brighton EV Rally 2025. The implementation of smart charging solutions will optimize charging schedules based on grid demand and electricity rates, maximizing efficiency and reducing costs for users.
Accessibility stands at the forefront of the expansion strategy. Currently, 83.1% of residents without off-street parking can reach a public charge point within a five-minute walk—the highest coverage ratio in the UK. New installations will adhere to PAS 1899 accessibility standards, ensuring usability for wheelchair users while maintaining clear pedestrian pathways through strategic placement of free-standing units. The city is committed to keeping charge point infrastructure off the footway to ensure accessibility for all pedestrians.
The environmental implications are equally impressive. Combined with air quality sensors that will be installed alongside new charge points, this infrastructure expansion directly supports Brighton & Hove‘s target of carbon neutrality by 2030. The collected environmental data will prove invaluable for future policy decisions and urban planning efforts.
Installation efforts will concentrate primarily on local car parks and continue the successful deployment of on-street residential charging solutions. The council aims to install over 7,000 new EV chargepoints by 2040, substantially increasing accessibility throughout the city. This all-encompassing approach demonstrates how thoughtful infrastructure planning can accelerate the shift to low-emission transportation while enhancing urban livability.
Brighton’s initiative may well serve as the blueprint for other UK cities to follow.
