Somerset Council has announced a major boost to its electric vehicle (EV) charging plans after securing £3.78 million in government funding through the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund.
The funding will help roll out over 1,600 new on-street charge point sockets across the county, targeting both urban and rural communities. The project is designed to support households without private driveways or off-street parking — a situation affecting more than 27% of Somerset properties.
Focus on Affordable and Accessible Charging
Most of the new chargers will be lower-powered (up to 7kW) sockets, which are ideal for overnight use and more affordable to run. Wherever possible, the council plans to utilise existing lamp column cable networks to cut costs and reduce disruption during installation.
The scheme also includes a 17-year concession contract with a chosen operator, who will not only maintain the network but also invest in up to 20 new rapid (50kW+) chargers at key sites. These faster units will complement the slower overnight options, giving drivers more flexibility when travelling longer distances.
Commitment to Rural Communities
One of the council’s priorities is ensuring that rural areas are not left behind in the shift to electric transport. At least 25% of the new charge points will be installed in villages and less densely populated areas, where private investment would otherwise be unlikely.
Councillor Richard Wilkins, Lead Member for Transport and Digital, emphasised the importance of the funding:
“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.”
Community Engagement
Somerset Council is also calling on residents to help shape the rollout. A new online consultation portal will soon allow locals to suggest suitable locations for charge points, ensuring the network reflects real community needs.
In addition, the council will receive a yearly income from the operator to cover administration and ongoing management of the scheme.
What This Means for Drivers
This investment represents a significant step towards improving EV accessibility in the South West. With a combination of overnight charging in neighbourhoods and strategically placed rapid chargers, Somerset drivers will soon have greater confidence in switching to electric vehicles.
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