Believ has been appointed by Torridge District Council to install and operate a new public electric vehicle charging network across North Devon. The project will bring 26 chargers to council-owned car parks across the district, using Standard Plus and rapid charging speeds. Initial sites are expected to be delivered within 90 days of contract signing, with the first installations due to go live later this year. The fully funded programme supports the council’s plans for lower-carbon transport while extending charging access for residents, businesses and visitors.

Network Across North Devon

The charging rollout will serve a district of more than 68,000 residents in north-west Devon, including Bideford, Great Torrington and Holsworthy. By placing chargers in council-owned car parks, the partnership is intended to make public charging available in locations used by local communities and people travelling through the area.

The council selected Believ through a competitive public procurement process. It identified the charge point operator as the most advantageous delivery partner for the project and its stated installation timetable.

The programme is part of Torridge District Council’s wider work to support sustainable growth, reduce carbon emissions and improve access to lower-carbon transport options. Public charging infrastructure can be particularly important for drivers without private off-street parking, giving them practical access to vehicle charging closer to daily destinations.

Councillor Bob Hicks, Lead Member of Economy & Estates at Torridge District Council, said:

“This is a real step change to make the transition from traditional cars to EVs an easier one. Our collaboration with Believ will ensure that all communities across Torridge will benefit. As EVs are not producing exhaust emissions, they are better for local air quality and generally better for the environment, making this a great place to visit, work and live in.”

Funding And Long Term Operation

Believ will fund the supply, installation, operation and maintenance of the charging network. This arrangement means the council can add infrastructure without using public funds, while Believ takes responsibility for operating the chargers after they are installed.

The operator will work with the council on the delivery of the sites. The scheme has also been designed to include accessible parking bays where possible, while the charging hardware will meet accessibility requirements as standard.

Accessibility is a central consideration for public charging because the charging experience includes more than the equipment itself. Parking bay design, space around chargers and the location of facilities all affect whether a network can be used by a broad range of drivers.

Updated Charging Terminology

The 26 chargers will offer a mix of Standard Plus and rapid charging speeds. The Standard Plus term reflects updated terminology from the Department for Transport, which now classifies charging speeds previously referred to as slow and fast as Standard and Standard Plus.

Using a range of charging speeds allows the network to serve different types of visit. Rapid charging can support drivers seeking a shorter stop, while Standard Plus charging can suit longer stays in town-centre car parks and other local destinations.

For Torridge, the combination creates a public network intended to support everyday journeys as well as visits to the district. It also gives the council a route to expand local charging availability as more drivers consider electric vehicles.

Supporting The Switch To Electric

The partnership gives Torridge a defined programme for installing, operating and maintaining public charging infrastructure across its area. Its early delivery target and fully funded model provide a clear foundation for the council’s transport and emissions ambitions.

Guy Bartlett, CEO at Believ, said:

“We’re delighted to be partnering with Torridge District Council to bring reliable and accessible EV charging to communities across North Devon. By fully funding and delivering this network, we can help ensure that residents, businesses and visitors have the confidence to make the switch to electric vehicles. This supports the council’s wider ambitions around sustainability and reducing carbon emissions, without requiring use of public funds. Together, we’re creating infrastructure that will benefit the district for many years to come.”

As the installations progress, the network will add new public charging options across Torridge’s council car parks. The project brings together local authority objectives, private investment and a delivery partner responsible for the chargers throughout their operational life.