Public-Private EV Charging Partnership
Believ and Hertfordshire County Council Launch £38 Million EV Charging Expansion Targeting Off-Street Parking Gaps
The collaboration addresses critical EV charging access challenges in Hertfordshire, with a significant investment aimed at expanding public charging availability where off-street parking is limited.
What happened
Believ, a UK-based electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure company, has entered into a partnership with Hertfordshire County Council to deliver a substantial expansion of EV charge points across the county. The initiative involves a £38 million investment aimed at installing thousands of new EV charge points, with a particular focus on locations where residents lack off-street parking options. This rollout represents a significant public-private collaboration to enhance the accessibility and convenience of EV charging in Hertfordshire.
The project targets residential streets and urban areas where on-street parking predominates, addressing a key barrier to EV adoption for households without private driveways or garages. By increasing the availability of public charging infrastructure in these areas, the partnership aims to support the county’s transition to zero-emission vehicles and meet growing demand for accessible EV charging.
Why this matters for UK EV infrastructure
The partnership between Believ and Hertfordshire County Council exemplifies a growing trend in the UK’s EV infrastructure landscape: the strategic deployment of public charging solutions in locations underserved by private off-street parking. As the UK accelerates its transition to electric vehicles, ensuring equitable access to charging infrastructure is critical to avoid creating geographic or socioeconomic disparities in EV adoption.
Many UK households, particularly in urban and suburban settings, do not have access to private parking where home charging could be installed. This limits their ability to switch to EVs unless public charging is readily available nearby. The Hertfordshire project directly addresses this challenge by prioritising the installation of charge points in streets and neighbourhoods where off-street parking is scarce.
Moreover, the scale of the investment—£38 million—signals strong public sector commitment and confidence in partnering with private companies to deliver infrastructure at pace and scale. Such collaborations can leverage private sector expertise and capital while aligning with local government objectives for decarbonisation and transport electrification.
This initiative also aligns with broader UK government ambitions to phase out petrol and diesel vehicles and to expand the national EV charging network. By focusing on residential areas with limited parking, the project helps fill a critical gap in the UK’s charging ecosystem, complementing rapid charging hubs and workplace chargers.
Who this affects
The rollout primarily benefits residents of Hertfordshire who currently face challenges in accessing convenient EV charging due to the absence of off-street parking. This includes urban dwellers and those living in terraced housing or flats where private driveways are uncommon.
Local businesses and fleet operators in the county may also experience indirect benefits from improved public charging infrastructure, as increased EV adoption among residents can stimulate demand for complementary services and support local sustainability goals.
From a commercial perspective, the partnership offers opportunities for companies involved in the supply, installation, and maintenance of EV charging equipment. The scale of the rollout suggests significant procurement and contracting activity, potentially creating a pipeline of projects and jobs in the region.
Local authorities elsewhere in the UK may observe Hertfordshire’s approach as a model for addressing similar challenges in their jurisdictions, influencing future policy and procurement strategies.
Signals to watch
Key indicators to monitor following this announcement include the pace and geographic distribution of charge point installations across Hertfordshire. Tracking how quickly the infrastructure becomes operational and the uptake rates among local EV drivers will provide insights into the effectiveness of targeting off-street parking gaps.
Procurement notices and tender opportunities related to the rollout will be important signals for suppliers and contractors aiming to participate in the project. Additionally, any updates on funding mechanisms, such as government grants or private investment structures supporting the initiative, will be relevant.
Observing how this partnership influences local EV adoption rates and whether it prompts similar collaborations in other UK counties will help gauge its broader impact. Furthermore, monitoring any challenges encountered—such as planning permissions, community engagement, or technical deployment issues—can inform best practices for future schemes.
EV Signals perspective
This partnership between Believ and Hertfordshire County Council highlights a critical evolution in UK EV infrastructure strategy: the targeted expansion of public charging in areas lacking off-street parking. For companies operating in the commercial EV infrastructure sector, this signals growing opportunities in residential street charging solutions, an area that requires tailored approaches distinct from rapid highway chargers or workplace installations.
EV Signals advises stakeholders to closely monitor planning applications and procurement feeds related to similar public-private collaborations, as these represent early indicators of emerging market opportunities. The focus on residential accessibility underscores the importance of integrating local authority priorities and community needs into infrastructure planning.
This case also exemplifies how local government partnerships can mobilise significant investment and accelerate infrastructure deployment, reinforcing the value of aligning commercial strategies with public sector decarbonisation goals. For businesses, understanding the nuances of such collaborations—including funding models, regulatory frameworks, and site selection criteria—is essential to effectively engage and compete in this expanding market segment.
For further insights on planning-stage EV infrastructure leads and commercial charging developments, EV Signals provides curated intelligence to help companies anticipate and respond to evolving market signals in the UK.
Sources
- [Believ Partners with Hertfordshire County Council in £38 Million Rollout to Deliver Thousands of EV Charge Points](https://www.believ.com/press-releases/believ-partners-with-hertfordshire-county-council-in-38-million-rollout-to-deliver-thousands-of-ev-charge-points/)
Sources