UK local councils expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure

Local authorities in the United Kingdom are expanding electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure through various regional initiatives. In Oxfordshire, a £4m government-funded programme aims to install 1,500 public chargers over two years to prevent rural areas from being left behind during the transition to electric transport. However, some proposed sites in locations such as Bampton, Shrivenham, and Headington have faced delays due to concerns regarding the loss of traditional parking spaces and potential obstructions on residential footpaths.

In Leicestershire, Charnwood Borough Council is launching a £200,000 project at the Southfield Road Extension Car Park in Loughborough. The development will feature a solar canopy, a battery storage system, and a charging hub with 12 stations. This project is part of a wider county-wide initiative supported by government funding to increase EV accessibility. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2026.