Reading Borough Council has signed an agreement with charge point provider Char.gy to install about 2,600 public EV charging points in residential streets across the town.
Under the new 15-year partnership, agreed following a tender process, charge points will be introduced, prioritising residential areas where parking is on-street.
The first charge points will begin operating over the next few months, with about 1,500 in place within two years.
Most will be fitted to existing lamp columns to keep disruption at a minimum, with standalone units where space allows.
The project is part of Reading’s wider push for cleaner air, greener streets and better public health.
Transport currently accounts for about 26% of carbon emissions in Reading, and improving air quality is a key priority in the council’s climate strategy.
The council secured £866,000 from the Government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund for the scheme, at no direct cost to residents.
John Ennis, lead councillor for climate strategy and transport, said, “We will be prioritising high-density residential areas without access to off-street parking for the installation of public charging points to clear the way for more people to make the switch to electric.
“Alongside the council’s work to increase active travel and the use of public transport, boosted by £9m government funding for 49 new electric buses, this scheme will help improve our local environment, air quality and the health of Reading residents.”
John Lewis, CEO of Char.gy, said, “Our goal is to create a network that’s reliable, accessible and fair, giving more people the confidence to make the switch to electric vehicles.”
