Oxfordshire is preparing for its most significant expansion of public electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure to date, with more than 1,500 new charge points planned across the county over the next two years.
The programme follows the appointment of two charge point operators (CPOs), Connected Kerb and EZ-Charge, who will work in partnership with local authorities to deliver a comprehensive, accessible and user-friendly charging network. The initiative aims to accelerate the shift to electric vehicles while improving air quality and supporting the county’s environmental goals.
Connected Kerb will oversee the rollout and operation of on-street EV chargers, as well as infrastructure at Oxfordshire County Council-run park and ride sites and other public car parks. Meanwhile, EZ-Charge will focus on delivering charging hubs within district and city council-owned parking facilities.
Together, the two providers will collaborate with councils to ensure residents, commuters and visitors have access to a consistent, reliable, contactless network across Oxfordshire.
Targeting accessibility and inclusion
A key priority for the scheme is improving access in areas where residents lack off-street parking, often a barrier to EV adoption. Initial work will focus on site feasibility, with specific locations expected to be confirmed at a later date.
Councillor Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, highlighted the importance of the programme in supporting a fair transition to low-emission transport:
“This programme will provide a huge confidence boost to drivers looking to switch to EVs and build on our leadership in this field.
“One of our top aims is to get reliable, accessible public EV charging into rural and deprived areas. This will help ensure that nobody will be left behind in the transition to driving electric.”
Community-led charging initiatives
Alongside the main rollout, the county council is launching a community microhub scheme designed to extend charging access into rural areas. Town and parish councils, as well as non-profit organisations, will be invited to host publicly accessible EV chargers at community venues such as village halls, sports pavilions and community centres.
Six pilot sites have already been selected, with installations scheduled later this year ahead of wider applications opening.
This approach reflects growing recognition that local, decentralised infrastructure can play a vital role in bridging rural transport gaps.
Government funding and private investment
The project is supported by a combination of Local EV Infrastructure (LEVI) funding, additional central government grants and substantial private investment from the appointed operators.
Keir Mather, Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister, emphasised the scale and impact of the investment:
“We know charging availability is one of the biggest barriers to people going electric so it’s great to see over £3.6m of our investment rolling out 1,500 new public chargers in Oxfordshire, more than doubling the number available to drivers in the area.
“We’re also cutting upfront costs for families when they buy a new EV with our Electric Car Grant helping over 55,000 drivers save up to £3,750.”
Mix of standard and rapid charging
The majority of new installations will be standard 7kW charge points, allowing residents without home charging facilities to charge their vehicles overnight at lower energy costs. These are expected to make a significant difference for households in urban and densely populated areas.
In addition, a smaller number of rapid chargers (50kW and above) will be deployed in strategic locations. These will support daytime top-up charging for a wide range of users, including commuters, visitors and commercial drivers.
District councils back countywide effort
Local district councils have welcomed the initiative, highlighting its role in supporting both climate objectives and practical transport needs.
Councillor Andrew Prosser from West Oxfordshire District Council said:
“Expanding public charging in this way means more people can make the switch to electric with confidence. We at West Oxfordshire District Council are pleased to play our part in a countywide effort that gives residents real, practical choices where they haven’t previously had them.”
Councillor Mike Giles of South Oxfordshire District Council added:
“Putting chargers in micro hubs such as village halls is the way forward for rural areas. In South Oxfordshire Stanton St John village hall installed EV chargers, thanks to a council grant. Increasing the charging network across the county gives people confidence to make the switch to EVs wherever they live.”
Building on existing infrastructure
The rollout builds on previous EV infrastructure initiatives in Oxfordshire. In the past year, the county council awarded a contract to ODS to deliver EV cable channel installations, enabling residents without off-street parking to connect to home-based charging solutions.
This latest programme represents a major step forward, positioning Oxfordshire as a leading authority in the UK’s transition to electric transport.
Image credits: Oxfordshire County Council
