Gosport Borough Council is embarking on a significant public Electric Vehicle (EV) infrastructure roll-out to serve the increasing number of EV owners in the region. The charge points will be owned and operated by Believ and delivered via its strategic partner Virgin Media 02.
With installation due to start this month, the Council has committed to 16 EV charge points (14 rapid, two fast) amounting to 32 sockets, at seven different car parks across the borough.
The installations come as the borough sees significant uptake of EVs with a 600% increase in Gosport resident ownership within the last five years. By 2030 it is estimated there will be more than 14,000 EVs on Gosport roads, which the Council is keen to ensure its public EV infrastructure is ready to facilitate.
To support the popularity of EV’s in the area, Gosport Borough Council looked for the ideal charge point operator and Believ was selected for their innovative model and expertise.
Believ is a specialist in delivering charge point infrastructure at zero-cost to local authorities, taking full responsibility for maintaining and operating the charge points, without requiring any taxpayer money.
The installation is also critical to Gosport’s contribution to the national requirement to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, as well the 2030 Government ban on the sale of all new diesel and electric vehicles.
Leader for the Council Peter Chegwyn says: “I’m delighted we’re introducing charging points to our car parks. It will support the growing number of electric vehicles in the borough and hopefully encourage more people to invest in them. We want to support our residents in making environmentally friendly choices and this will help reduce pollution and benefit everyone in Gosport.”
Neil Isaacson, CEO of Believ, says the business is really excited to begin its partnership with Gosport council: “We’re proud to contribute to Gosport’s plans for cleaner air and reduction in carbon emissions, all of which comes at zero cost to the taxpayer or council.”
“We are also thrilled to be working with another council, helping to ensure nationwide availability of critical charging infrastructure that is available to all residents.”
The sites for installation are: Beach Road Car Park, Green Lane Car Park, Marine Parade Car Park, No.2 Battery East Car Park, No.2 Battery West Car Park, Pebble Beach Car Park, Walpole Car Park.