Hampshire selects Believ for major EV charging expansion

More than 17,000 public electric vehicle charge points are set to be installed across Hampshire after Hampshire County Council awarded Believ a contract that is expected to become the largest signed under the Government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) programme.

The scheme will deliver 17,180 charging points throughout the county, supported by private sector investment of up to £90 million from Believ alongside public funding contributions. The project aims to significantly increase access to charging facilities and support the growing number of motorists making the switch to electric vehicles.

A large proportion of the planned infrastructure will consist of 22kW chargers, providing residents with convenient options for overnight and long-duration charging. The network is intended to improve access for households without private driveways, with planners aiming to locate charge points within a short walking distance of homes wherever possible.

In addition to residential charging facilities, the programme includes the installation of more than 800 rapid chargers capable of delivering 50kW or more, providing faster charging options for drivers on the move.

The rollout comes as demand for accessible public charging continues to rise. According to RAC data, approximately 33% of Hampshire residents do not have off-street parking available. The figures are even higher in some districts, reaching 38% in both Winchester and Rushmoor and 39% in Basingstoke.

Financial support for the project includes £6.6 million provided through Hampshire County Council's LEVI allocation. The remaining investment will be delivered by Believ, allowing the county to establish a substantial charging network without placing significant additional pressure on local authority budgets.

Believ will manage every aspect of the programme, from network design and installation through to operation and long-term maintenance. The company secured the contract following a competitive selection process that recognised its experience in delivering large-scale public charging infrastructure projects.

Ensuring the network is accessible has also been a priority. Charging locations will be designed to align with PAS 1899 accessibility standards wherever practical, helping to create facilities that can be used by the widest possible range of drivers.

Initial deployment is scheduled to begin before the end of the year, with around 500 chargers expected to be installed during the first phase.

Councillor Kirsty North, Hampshire County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Lead for Universal Services, said:

“As more people look to switch to EVs, ensuring access to reliable, convenient charging is essential – particularly for those without off-street parking. This initiative demonstrates how local authorities can combine local knowledge and national funding with private sector investment to unlock delivery at scale, accelerate infrastructure rollout, and support the growth of the UK’s green economy.

“At a time when local government budgets are under significant pressure, it also shows how this can be achieved without adding to the burden on local finances, while laying the foundations for long-term growth in low-carbon transport.”

Believ CEO Guy Bartlett said the partnership represented a landmark moment for EV infrastructure delivery in the UK.

“This partnership with Hampshire County Council enables the largest EV charging programme delivered through the LEVI scheme to date. By combining public funding with significant private capital, we can move faster, reach more communities and make charging more accessible for residents all across Hampshire.”

Once completed, the programme will create one of the country's most extensive public charging networks, helping Hampshire accommodate future EV demand while supporting wider ambitions around decarbonisation and sustainable transport.