Local Authority EV Charging Infrastructure
North Northamptonshire Council to Install Over 1,500 New EV Chargepoints with LEVI Funding
The council’s collaboration with Connected Kerb, backed by government funding, aims to expand EV charging accessibility and future-proof the region’s transport infrastructure.
What happened
North Northamptonshire Council has announced a significant expansion of its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure through a partnership with Connected Kerb. The initiative will see the installation of over 1,500 new EV charging sockets across the region. This project is co-funded by a £2.9 million grant from the UK Government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund, which supports local authorities in accelerating the rollout of EV chargepoints.
The deployment aims to enhance the availability and accessibility of EV charging facilities in North Northamptonshire, addressing current and anticipated demand as EV adoption continues to rise. Connected Kerb, a specialist in smart EV charging solutions, will deliver the infrastructure, which is expected to be distributed across public car parks and other strategic locations within the council’s jurisdiction.
Why this matters for UK EV infrastructure
This development is a clear example of how local authorities are leveraging government funding to expand EV infrastructure in line with national decarbonisation targets. The LEVI fund, designed to support local councils in delivering EV chargepoints, is a critical mechanism to bridge gaps in public charging provision, especially in areas where private investment alone may not suffice.
By installing over 1,500 new sockets, North Northamptonshire Council is future-proofing its transport infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of EVs. This scale of deployment contributes to reducing range anxiety among drivers and supports the UK’s broader goal of phasing out petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030.
Moreover, the partnership with Connected Kerb highlights the increasing role of technology providers specialising in smart charging solutions. Such collaborations are essential to ensure that infrastructure is not only widespread but also efficient, user-friendly, and capable of integrating with emerging grid management systems.
Who this affects
The immediate beneficiaries of this infrastructure expansion are residents, businesses, and visitors within North Northamptonshire who own or plan to own electric vehicles. Improved access to public chargepoints can encourage EV uptake by providing convenient charging options beyond private home installations.
Local businesses may also see indirect benefits, as enhanced EV infrastructure can attract customers who drive electric vehicles, potentially increasing footfall in commercial areas.
From a commercial perspective, companies involved in EV infrastructure deployment, operation, and maintenance stand to gain opportunities through contracts and ongoing service provision. The project may also stimulate local employment related to installation and support services.
Finally, the initiative aligns with the interests of energy network operators and planners who require coordinated infrastructure growth to manage electricity demand and grid stability effectively.
Signals to watch
This announcement signals a continued trend of local authorities actively utilising LEVI funding to expand EV charging networks. Observers should monitor further LEVI-funded projects across other councils to identify emerging hotspots of infrastructure growth.
The choice of Connected Kerb as a delivery partner may indicate a preference for providers offering integrated smart charging solutions, suggesting that future tenders and contracts could favour technology-enabled infrastructure.
Additionally, the scale of deployment—over 1,500 sockets—sets a benchmark for similar-sized regions aiming to meet EV infrastructure needs. Tracking the rollout progress and user uptake in North Northamptonshire could provide valuable insights into effective deployment strategies and demand patterns.
Finally, the project may influence local planning policies and procurement approaches, encouraging other councils to adopt similar partnership models and funding mechanisms.
EV Signals perspective
For companies engaged in the UK EV infrastructure sector, the North Northamptonshire project exemplifies how local authorities are key drivers of infrastructure expansion, particularly when supported by targeted government funding like LEVI. Monitoring local authority procurement and partnership announcements is essential for spotting early commercial opportunities.
EV Signals users can benefit from tracking planning applications and procurement leads related to LEVI-funded projects through our [Planning Application Lead Feed](https://evsignals.co.uk/planning-application-lead-feed) and [Planning Stage EV Leads](https://evsignals.co.uk/planning-stage-ev-leads). These tools help identify where councils are preparing to expand charging networks, enabling companies to position themselves advantageously.
Furthermore, the emphasis on smart charging solutions by providers such as Connected Kerb highlights a growing market segment focused on technology integration and grid-responsive infrastructure. Companies specialising in these areas should watch for similar tenders and partnership opportunities.
Overall, this development underscores the importance of local authority engagement and government funding schemes in shaping the UK’s EV infrastructure landscape, offering actionable signals for commercial stakeholders.
Sources
- [North Northamptonshire Council: More than 1,500 new EV chargepoints to future-proof infrastructure across North Northamptonshire](https://www.northnorthants.gov.uk/news/more-1500-new-ev-chargepoints-future-proof-infrastructure-across-north-northamptonshire)
Sources