Believ Installs First Public EV Charge Point in Suffolk as Part of Ambitious Plug in Suffolk Project

Suffolk has taken a major step towards sustainable transport with the installation of its first public electric vehicle (EV) charge point by operator Believ, marking the launch of a county-wide programme to expand EV infrastructure.

The project is part of the council’s Plug in Suffolk initiative, which aims to ensure every resident is within a 5–10-minute walk or wheel of a charge point. The rollout is supported by £5.3 million in government funding from the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) scheme, administered by the Department for Transport, alongside a £16 million investment from Believ.

The first site, located on Ashley Street in Ipswich, features charge points suitable for long-stay or overnight charging, designed to benefit residents without access to off-street parking. The infrastructure is PAS 1899 compliant, ensuring accessibility for all members of the public.

The programme also incorporates air quality sensors, supporting Suffolk County Council in its aim to improve local air quality and reduce transport-related emissions.

Guy Bartlett, CEO of Believ, said:

“We’re proud to be working with Suffolk County Council on a project that supports its climate goals. By making EV charging infrastructure more accessible, and therefore the EV switch easier, it benefits the residents across the county. This is a key step towards ensuring no community is left behind in the transition to electric mobility.”

Councillor Richard Rout, Cabinet Member for Devolution, Local Government Reorganisation and NSIPs at Suffolk County Council, added:

“The installation of the first charge point in the Suffolk and Believ partnership is a significant milestone for the Plug in Suffolk project. By working with Believ, we’re able to rapidly expand public charging infrastructure, helping more people who wish to do so make the switch to electric.We’re doing this in a measured way, ensuring no on-street parking is lost and not imposing any restrictions – meaning, whatever car they drive, residents can continue to park outside their homes.”

The council reported that residents have already expressed enthusiasm for the new charge point, highlighting the importance of accessible local charging in supporting the shift to electric vehicles.

The Plug in Suffolk programme, launched in 2018, is part of Suffolk County Council’s wider strategy to accelerate the adoption of clean, sustainable transport, reduce emissions, and ensure that the benefits of the EV transition are felt by all communities.

Believ will manage the installation, operation, and ongoing maintenance of the county’s new charge points, with plans to roll out thousands more across residential areas in the coming years, offering local tariffs to make charging more affordable for Suffolk residents.