Ipswich, UK – Suffolk County Council and electric vehicle (EV) charge point operator Believ have installed the first publicly funded EV charge point under the Government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) scheme, marking the start of a major countywide rollout of thousands of new chargers.
The installation, delivered through the council’s Plug in Suffolk Project, represents a significant milestone in Suffolk’s transition to sustainable transport. It is Believ’s first LEVI-funded installation and the first step in a long-term partnership that will see EV charging infrastructure expanded across the county.
The programme is supported by £5.3 million in LEVI funding, administered by the Department for Transport, alongside a £16 million investment from Believ. Under the agreement, Believ will be responsible for the delivery, operation and ongoing maintenance of the charge points.
First site live in Ipswich
The first installation is located on Ashley Street, Ipswich, and features charge points designed for long-stay and overnight charging, supporting residents without access to off-street parking. The site includes PAS 1899-compliant accessible infrastructure, ensuring the charge points meet national accessibility standards.
As the rollout continues, charge points will be installed across residential streets and public car parks, improving access to EV charging for communities across Suffolk. A local members tariff will also be introduced, offering Suffolk residents reduced charging rates.
Supporting cleaner air and inclusive access
Launched in 2018, Plug in Suffolk aims to ensure that every resident is within a 5–10 minute walk or wheel of a public EV charge point. As part of the wider programme, Believ is also installing air quality sensors, supporting the council’s ambitions 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 directly supports its climate ambitions. By improving access to EV charging and making the switch to electric vehicles easier, we’re helping ensure no community is left behind in the transition to sustainable mobility.”
Councillor Richard Rout, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Devolution, Local Government Reorganisation and NSIPs, said:
“The installation of the first charge point in the Suffolk and Believ partnership is a major milestone for the Plug in Suffolk project. Working with Believ enables us to rapidly expand public charging infrastructure and support residents who want to make the move to electric vehicles.
“We’re delivering this in a balanced way, ensuring no on-street parking is lost and no restrictions are imposed – so residents can continue to park outside their homes regardless of the vehicle they drive.”
He added:
“We’ve already heard from residents who are excited to see charge points installed outside their homes and who believe this infrastructure will help them and their neighbours transition to more sustainable transport.”
Thousands more chargers planned
Over the coming years, Believ plans to install around 6,000 charge points across Suffolk, including a minimum of 2,100 on-street chargers and more than 400 car park charge points. The first phase of installations is expected to be completed by the end of this year, with further locations to be confirmed.
For more information about Believ and its work with local authorities, visit:
? https://www.believ.com/about-us
