SOMERSET has been awarded more than £3.7 million to improve electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in the county – including more than 1,600 new chargers.

Plans to introduce on-street electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints, and expand Somerset’s overall EV charging network, have taken a significant step forward after the cash was allocated from a Government fund.

Somerset Council has been awarded a total of £3,783,000 in capital funding from the Government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund to support the installation of electric vehicle chargepoints in urban and rural areas across the county, and is now in the process of appointing a contractor.

The LEVI Fund is designed to help local authorities in England with planning and delivering predominantly low-powered charging infrastructure, particularly for residents without access to off-street parking.

In Somerset, more than a quarter – around 27% – of properties lack off-street parking, with the funding set to boost the options for people looking to move to EVs.

The council said the contract will deliver a minimum of 1,606 lower-powered (up to 7kW) chargepoint sockets, suitable for overnight charging.

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Where feasible, the existing low-voltage lamp column cable network will be used to reduce installation costs and disruption.

Now, officials plan to ask residents for suggestions on chargepoint locations via its website, with more details to follow.

At least 25% of the chargepoints will be installed in lower-demand areas to support equitable access across the county.

Councillor Richard Wilkins, lead member for transport and digital, said: “By adopting this delivery approach, we can ensure that rural communities are not left behind in the transition to electric vehicle infrastructure.

“Without LEVI funding, the deployment of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in more rural, lower-demand, and commercially less viable areas of Somerset would be unlikely.

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“We are committed to allocate 25% of all chargepoints to these locations, to help meet the needs of all residents.”

Under the proposed 17-year concession contract, the council will receive annual income from the chargepoint operator to cover the costs of administering the scheme.

The operator will also fully fund the installation of up to 20 rapid (50kW+) chargepoints, further boosting Somerset’s EV infrastructure.

Research shows chargepoint operators prefer a minimum contract term of 15 years to ensure commercial viability, the council said, and that extending the term to 17 years provides greater assurance of return on investment and long-term sustainability.