Local authorities can now dramatically speed up and strengthen their EV charging rollout, thanks to a new guide that shows councils using innovative planning tools achieve 100% first-time success in government funding applications – compared with just 37% on average.

One of the most striking findings highlighted in the guide is the transformative impact of evidence-based digital planning. Councils using ChargePoint Navigator - a free digital tool developed by UK Power Networks Distribution System Operator (DSO) with support from their delivery partner Field Dynamics, collaborator Cenex and data provider Zapmap - achieved a 100% first-time Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) funding success rate, compared with an average success rate of 37% for those not using the tool. ChargePoint Navigator integrates network cabling capacity information, pavement widths, on-street household data and localised EV demand projections, enabling councils to identify viable sites earlier. Councils such as Kent and Brighton & Hove have used it to align district-wide planning, identify priority sites, engage chargepoint operators with collaborative work space, improve procurement decision-making and track delivery.

The guide, “Powering Local EV Infrastructure: A Guide for Councils”, was launched today at the Transport + Energy Forum in Warwick by UK100 in partnership with UK Power Networks’ DSO and Cenex. It provides a comprehensive, practical roadmap for councils across England, covering every stage of EV infrastructure delivery – from strategic planning and business case development through to procurement, funding, distribution network connections and equitable access for drivers without off-street parking.

The publication comes at a critical moment. The government’s LEVI fund is releasing almost £400 million to support the installation of 100,000 new EV chargepoints across England, as EV adoption accelerates to record levels. Many councils, however, still face complex technical, financial and operational challenges that risk slowing progress.

The guide supports councils through their entire EV delivery journey, from shaping early strategy to managing procurement and installation. It explains how to match chargepoint types with local travel and parking patterns, structure long-term partnerships with chargepoint operators, minimise connection costs through early engagement with electricity operators, and take a portfolio approach that balances the financial viability of high- and low-demand areas. It also sets out how councils can work effectively with wider partners, including DNOs, DSOs, chargepoint operators, regional Net Zero Hubs, government bodies and community groups.

Developed jointly by UK100 and UK Power Networks DSO, in partnership with Cenex, the guide combines local government insight, technical energy-system expertise and independent validation from a LEVI support body. The shared aim is to give councils the clarity, confidence and data they need to accelerate EV charging rollout at scale, while ensuring every community can benefit from the UK’s transition to clean transport.

The guide is available now to all local authorities across England.

Christopher Hammond, Chief Executive of UK100, said:

"Local authorities are absolutely central to making the electric vehicle transition work for everyone, yet too many councils have struggled to navigate the complex funding, technical and commercial challenges involved. Until the way local climate action is funded is fundamentally reformed, this new guide is indispensable.

"This collaboration between UK100, UK Power Networks DSO and Cenex brings together policy expertise, technical infrastructure knowledge and practical delivery experience in a way that's never been done before. It's exactly the kind of practical support that helps councils create thriving places powered by clean energy and clean air."

Lynne McDonald, Head of Local Net Zero at UK Power Networks, said:

“Local authorities are clear about what their communities need, and our job is to help them deliver it. We’re proud to work with UK100 and Cenex to create a guide to help councils navigate the end-to-end journey of getting electric vehicles moving.

“In the guide we celebrate ChargePoint Navigator, a digital tool developed by Field Dynamics, alongside partners Cenex and ZapMap, It was built on councils needs for straightforward insights on existing charge points, areas of charging needs and data on where to connect in one place, so they can plan confidently and secure funding first time. The 100% LEVI success rate shows the impact of listening to our customers and responding with tools that genuinely solve their challenges.”

Chris Rimmer, Head of Department, Policy, Strategy and Implementation, Cenex, said:

"Local Authorities are at the heart of the electrification revolution and critical players as we seek to clean and green our streets and our environment. This guide showcases key examples of collaboration and innovation from UKPN and others who are powering Local EV Infrastructure across the UK."

ENDS

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More information: Liam Ward, UK100: liam.ward@uk100.org

About UK100

UK100 is the only network of ambitious local, regional and strategic authorities led by all political parties working together to tackle climate change. We help local leaders overcome challenges and turn innovation into solutions that work everywhere. We build the case for the powers needed to make change happen. From cities to villages, we help communities across the UK create thriving places powered by clean energy, with fresh air to breathe, warm homes to live in, and a healthy natural environment. UK100.org

About UK Power Networks DSO

UK Power Networks operates the electricity distribution networks supplying 8.5 million homes and businesses across London, the South East and East of England, serving 20 million people and covering approximately 30,000 square kilometres. The company is responsible for keeping the lights on for around a quarter of the UK's population across 133 local authority areas.

In 2023, UK Power Networks launched the UK's first independent Distribution System Operator (DSO), representing a fundamental shift from passively maintaining infrastructure to actively enabling the energy transition. The DSO works proactively with local authorities, developers and communities to support the connection of renewable generation, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and other low-carbon technologies essential to achieving Net Zero. dso.ukpowernetworks.co.uk

About Cenex

Cenex is the UK's first independent not-for-profit centre of excellence for low-carbon and fuel cell electric vehicle technologies. With over 18 years of experience, Cenex provides research, consultancy and project delivery services to accelerate the transition to zero-emission transport.

As a member of the official LEVI Support Body alongside Energy Saving Trust and PA Consulting, Cenex provides technical support to local authorities accessing government funding for EV infrastructure. Cenex also delivers a CPD-accredited 15-week EV Infrastructure training course for local authority officers, funded through the LEVI programme. cenex.co.uk

Notes to editors

Key statistics:

100% first-time LEVI funding success rate for councils using ChargePoint Navigator vs 37% average

The ChargePoint Navigator tool was developed by UK Power Networks DSO with support from their delivery partner Field Dynamics, collaborator Cenex, and data provider Zapmap

£381 million LEVI fund available to support 100,000 chargepoints across England

86,798 charging points across UK (23% year-on-year growth, October 2025)

1.7 million fully electric cars on UK roads (5.09% of total car fleet)

22.4% of new car registrations in 2025 were fully electric (386,244 vehicles to October)

33% of UK households lack off-street parking

Connection costs range from £1,000-£3,000 for small installations to £60,000-£2 million for multiple rapid chargers

133 local authorities in UK Power Networks area (London, South East, East England)

Recent local authority LEVI funding announcements:

Bolton Council: £2.3 million for 400+ chargepoints by 2027

West Yorkshire Combined Authority: £15.7 million total allocation (£1.4m Phase 1 for 716 chargers, £14.3m for Phases 2-3)

Brighton & Hove: £500,000+ for minimum 350 chargers

ChargePoint Navigator is a free digital planning tool developed by UK Power Networks DSO in collaboration with Field Dynamics and Cenex. It integrates pavement width data, on-street household information, network cabling capacity, localised EV demand projections and connection cost estimates to help councils identify optimal chargepoint locations and prepare stronger funding applications.

The guide covers: developing local EV infrastructure strategies; understanding Distribution Network Operator (DNO) and Distribution System Operator (DSO) roles; four commercial delivery models: public ownership, joint ventures, concessions, and leasing; funding sources including LEVI, Community Municipal Investments, green bonds, sustainability-linked loans, and the National Wealth Fund; procurement approaches and frameworks; accessibility and equity considerations; partnership models and cross-tier governance.

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