- Reading plans to deploy around 2,600 public EV charging points across residential streets.
- The project aims to place public chargers within 100 metres of most homes without driveways.
United Kingdom-based Reading Borough Council has entered into a long-term partnership with char.gy to significantly expand public electric vehicle charging infrastructure across Reading. The agreement, announced on May 18, will support the installation of approximately 2,600 public EV charging points over a 15-year period. The deployment strategy prioritises residential neighbourhoods where off-street parking access is limited, helping improve charging accessibility for households that depend on on-street vehicle parking.
The rollout is expected to begin in the coming months, with nearly 1,500 charging points scheduled for installation within the first two years of the programme. A large proportion of the chargers will be integrated into existing lamp columns to minimise civil work and reduce disruption across public streets. In locations where additional space is available, standalone charging units will also be deployed to support growing EV adoption and improve charging convenience for residents.
Public EV Charging Rollout Targets in Reading
| Deployment Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Planned Charging Points | Approximately 2,600 |
| Initial Deployment Timeline | Coming months |
| Charging Points Within Two Years | Around 1,500 |
| Primary Installation Method | Lamp column integration |
| Funding Secured | GBP 866,000 LEVI funding |
The infrastructure initiative is designed to ensure that at least 90% of households without access to a private driveway are situated within 100 metres of a public charging point. This accessibility target supports wider EV adoption by addressing one of the major barriers faced by urban residents who cannot install private home charging equipment. The project also aligns with broader regional and national electrification goals focused on reducing vehicle emissions and improving charging availability in densely populated communities.
Reading Borough Council secured GBP 866,000 through the government-backed Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund to support the charging network expansion. The funding is intended to accelerate public charging deployment while helping local authorities create scalable EV infrastructure for long-term transportation transition strategies. Through the partnership with char.gy, Reading aims to establish a more accessible and practical charging ecosystem for residents transitioning toward electric mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the objective of Reading’s EV charging partnership with char.gy?
The partnership aims to expand public EV charging access across residential areas in Reading, particularly for households without private driveways. Around 2,600 charging points will be deployed over 15 years, with many integrated into existing lamp columns to reduce installation disruption. The initiative seeks to ensure that at least 90% of homes lacking off-street parking are located within 100 metres of a public charging point, improving accessibility and supporting wider electric vehicle adoption across the borough.
How is the Reading EV charging project being funded?
The project received GBP 866,000 in support from the government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund. This funding will help accelerate the deployment of public charging infrastructure throughout Reading. The investment supports local authority efforts to improve EV charging access and develop long-term electrification infrastructure. The partnership with char.gy will use the funding to install charging points in residential areas while minimising disruption through the use of existing lamp column infrastructure wherever possible.
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