More than 5,500 new electric vehicle charge points are set to be installed across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough after securing £5.4 million from the Government's Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund.
The major infrastructure programme, subject to final approvals, represents a significant step towards improving public EV charging access for residents who do not have access to private driveways or off-street parking.
The funding was awarded to the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, with Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council leading a joint procurement process to appoint a delivery partner. Peterborough City Council took the lead role in managing the procurement exercise.
Peterborough City Council's Cabinet has approved the acceptance of £1,075,770 in LEVI funding and agreed to award a 15-year contract to EV charging specialist Believ.
Under the agreement, 1,058 charge points will be installed across the city, substantially exceeding the contractual minimum requirement of 185.
The wider LEVI funding programme originally required the installation of at least 930 charge points across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. However, Believ has committed to delivering a total of 5,585 charge points across the region, with 4,655 funded through private sector investment.
The remaining LEVI funding will support the deployment of 4,527 charge points across Cambridgeshire.
Cambridgeshire County Council is expected to approve the delegated contract award through its Highways and Transport Committee in December 2025.
Once completed, the scheme will play a crucial role in supporting the Combined Authority's EV Infrastructure Strategy, which aims for 80% of households without off-street parking to be within a five-minute walk of a public charging point, or have access to on-street domestic charging, by 2040.
The investment comes as the UK prepares for the planned end of the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans from 2030, increasing demand for accessible charging infrastructure.
The contract includes a range of measures designed to ensure charging remains affordable and accessible.
These commitments include a capped charging margin on electricity prices and a pledge that almost 20% of charge points will be installed in areas ranked among the most deprived 30% nationally.
Believ has also committed to delivering £1,016,500 in social value investment across Peterborough and Cambridgeshire districts as part of the project.
The two-socket charge points will be installed on residential streets, with final locations determined following surveys, technical assessments and engagement with local communities.
Subject to completion of the remaining statutory procurement processes, installation work is expected to begin next year.
Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Paul Bristow, said:
“Our commitment to delivering 930 chargers is unlocking many more times that number, which is exactly what I want our funding to do.
“If you’ve got a driveway, charging an electric car is more straightforward. If you haven’t, it’s been a real barrier, so this funding will help put EV charging within reach for more people.
“I look forward to seeing delivery on the ground, helping our drivers and supporting my work to get Cambridgeshire and Peterborough moving.”
Image credit: iStock
