A Major Boost for Kent’s Electric Vehicle Owners
Kent is gearing up to become one of the leading local authorities in England for on-street electric vehicle (EV) charging. Thanks to a significant investment backed by government funding, the county will see 10,000 new EV charging sockets installed in residential areas by summer 2026, with a strong focus on residents who do not have access to off-street parking.
Addressing the On-Street Charging Challenge
Many Kent residents living in urban and suburban areas face challenges when owning an electric vehicle due to a lack of private driveways or garages. Without a convenient place to charge their cars overnight, owning an EV can be difficult or intimidating for these drivers. The new charging initiative aims to remove this barrier by installing reliable, accessible, and affordable on-street chargers near homes, making the transition to electric vehicles easier and more practical for thousands of people.
National Funding with Local Impact
The programme benefits from £12 million in funding from the Department for Transport’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Capital Fund. This makes Kent the largest recipient of this fund in England, allowing the council to support the widespread rollout of EV chargers that will directly serve local communities. The funding underscores the government’s ambition to expand EV infrastructure nationwide while giving Kent a leading role in meeting growing demand.
Who is Behind Kent’s EV Charging Rollout?
Kent County Council: Delivering for Residents
Kent County Council (KCC) has led the application process for funding and is overseeing the delivery of this extensive charging network. Known for its commitment to sustainable transport, KCC has previously implemented initiatives encouraging EV use, and this project marks their most ambitious infrastructure plan yet. The council is working closely with district and borough councils to plan the locations and ensure community needs are prioritised.
Urban Fox: The Chosen Partner for Installation and Maintenance
Urban Fox, part of the Balfour Beatty Group and a specialist in EV infrastructure, has been selected to install and maintain the charging points. With a 20-year contract, Urban Fox brings experience delivering community-focused charging solutions tailored for residents with limited parking options. Their service commitment ensures that chargers will be reliable, regularly maintained, and integrated with smart payment and app-based systems for user convenience.
Government Support for a Greener Future
The Department for Transport supports this work as part of a broader national strategy to promote electric vehicles and reduce carbon emissions. A government minister recently highlighted the importance of projects like Kent’s in increasing EV accessibility for millions. Additional grants and incentives complement the charging rollout, helping residents transition smoothly to electric vehicles.
When and Where Will the New Chargers Appear?
The Rollout Begins: Summer 2026
The installation of chargers is scheduled to start in summer 2026. Residents can expect the first chargers to appear in neighbourhoods prioritised for their high demand and suitability. The initial rollout will focus on better serving communities with limited off-street parking to make the biggest impact early on.
Prioritising Residential Streets
Sites will be selected based on nominations from residents as well as data on parking availability and local EV ownership. The goal is to install chargers close to homes, often on residential streets where access to charging has historically been scarce. This targeted approach will help ensure that chargers are placed where they are most needed and will be used regularly.
Real Benefits for Kent Communities
Affordable and Reliable Charging at Your Doorstep
Once installed, these on-street chargers will offer Kent residents the convenience of easily accessible electric car charging without the need for expensive home charging equipment or off-street parking. The chargers will support a range of vehicle models and provide reliable, fast charging options for day-to-day use.
No Additional Cost to Kent Council Tax Payers
Importantly, the entire project is funded through government grants, which means Kent residents will not see any increase in council tax to pay for the infrastructure. This approach ensures that the benefits of the programme reach everyone without extra financial burden on local communities.
Driving Kent Towards a Sustainable Future
The expansion of EV infrastructure is a key component of Kent County Council’s wider transport and environmental strategy. By making electric vehicles more accessible, the county is taking important steps to reduce air pollution and carbon emissions while encouraging cleaner, greener travel options for residents and visitors alike.
Have Your Say: Nominate a Charging Location
How to Nominate Your Street
Kent residents are encouraged to nominate streets or locations where on-street EV chargers would be most useful. To do this, visit the Kent County Council website and use the interactive nomination map. You will need to provide details such as your street name, approximate location, and reasons why a charger in that spot would benefit the community.
What Happens After You Nominate?
After a nomination is submitted, KCC, in partnership with local councils, will review each suggestion carefully. Factors considered include parking patterns, road safety, existing infrastructure, and community demand. Residents will be kept informed about the progress of nominations through council updates as the rollout advances.
Tips for Effective Nominations
When nominating a location, consider areas where on-street parking is regularly used by residents, places that are easily accessible and safe for vehicles to pull in, and streets not already served by current chargers. Thinking about these factors will help ensure your suggestion is a strong candidate for the project.
Looking Ahead: The Future of EV in Kent
This ambitious programme represents a significant milestone for Kent’s transport future. By providing practical charging options in residential areas, the county is supporting residents in switching to cleaner vehicles and reducing environmental impact. Kent County Council remains committed to expanding and improving EV infrastructure beyond this initial investment as technologies evolve and demand grows, creating a greener, more sustainable county for generations to come.