Hampshire EV Charging Infrastructure Expansion to Add 17,000 Charge Points Across the County

United Kingdom authorities are moving forward with a major expansion of public electric vehicle charging infrastructure after Hampshire County Council announced plans to install 17,000 electric vehicle charge points across the county. The initiative follows a competitive procurement process that resulted in the selection of Believ as the charge point operator responsible for delivering the project under a long-term concession agreement. The development is intended to support growing electric vehicle adoption and improve access to charging facilities for residents and businesses throughout the region.

The council has awarded a 15-year concession contract to Believ, creating a framework for the large-scale deployment of charging infrastructure over the coming years. Installation activities are expected to begin later this year, with approximately 500 charge points scheduled to be delivered during the first year of the program. The phased rollout approach is designed to establish a broad charging network while enabling future expansion as demand for electric mobility continues to increase.

The project is being supported through the government's Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund and is backed by substantial private-sector investment. Hampshire County Council secured GBP 6.7 million in funding from the Department for Transport, helping to accelerate implementation of the charging network. The funding package reflects broader efforts to strengthen charging accessibility and support the transition toward lower-emission transportation solutions.

In addition to government support, the initiative has attracted significant private capital. Believ raised GBP 90 million from private investors, providing the financial resources needed to deliver the charging infrastructure program. As a result, the deployment of the 17,000 charge points will be carried out without any direct cost to Hampshire County Council, demonstrating how public funding and private investment can be combined to advance large-scale EV infrastructure projects.

The planned network expansion is expected to play an important role in supporting electric vehicle users across Hampshire. By increasing the availability of charging facilities in local communities, the project aims to reduce charging accessibility challenges and strengthen confidence in electric vehicle ownership. The long-term concession model also provides a structured pathway for maintaining and expanding charging services throughout the contract period.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of Hampshire's 17,000 EV charge point project?
The project is designed to significantly expand electric vehicle charging access across Hampshire and support the growing adoption of EVs throughout the county. Hampshire County Council plans to deploy 17,000 charge points through a 15-year concession agreement with Believ. The initiative is supported by funding from the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund and private investment, helping create a comprehensive charging network that improves convenience for drivers while supporting broader transportation electrification goals across the region.

How is the Hampshire EV charging program being funded?
The program is funded through a combination of public and private investment to minimize financial burden on the local authority. Hampshire County Council secured GBP 6.7 million from the Department for Transport, while Believ raised GBP 90 million from private investors. This funding structure allows the large-scale deployment of 17,000 charging points without direct cost to the council, enabling rapid infrastructure development while leveraging both government support and private-sector capital.

When will the EV charge point installations begin?
Installation work is expected to commence later this year following the award of the concession contract to Believ. The first phase of the rollout is planned to deliver around 500 charge points during the initial year of the program. Deployment will then continue over the duration of the 15-year agreement, allowing the charging network to expand progressively across Hampshire and meet increasing demand from electric vehicle owners and fleet operators.