EV Chargers in Brighton and Hove
EV chargers are transforming Brighton and Hove into one of the UK’s most future-ready cities—and at Black Sheep Utilities, we’re proud to play our part. As the city’s top energy broker, we help local businesses power a cleaner, smarter future.
Brighton and Hove is rolling out one of the UK’s most ambitious public EV charging networks. Thousands of new chargers are being installed across neighbourhoods, car parks, and residential streets.
In a major move, the council has partnered with Believ to install over 200 rapid and ultra-rapid chargers in public car parks—quadrupling rapid charging capacity. A £130 million contract with Char.gy will add over 6,000 on-street lamppost chargers, while Blink Charging UK is contributing a further 350 units under a 15-year agreement.
Altogether, Brighton plans to install more than 7,000 public chargepoints by 2040, supporting its goal of becoming carbon-neutral by 2030.
We’re following this rollout closely—not just because we love local progress, but because we help Brighton businesses plan and power their EV strategies with the right energy solutions.
Benefits for Residents, Businesses and the Environment
This expansion brings wide-ranging benefits. For residents—especially those without driveways—on-street chargers offer the convenience of plugging in just outside their homes. Rapid and ultra-rapid units located in public hubs will allow drivers to top up in under 30 minutes while visiting the city or running errands.
Local businesses, too, stand to gain. Increased footfall from EV drivers charging their cars means more spending in shops, cafes and restaurants. At the same time, a robust charging network supports Brighton’s visitor economy, making it easier for tourists to travel sustainably.
Perhaps most importantly, electric vehicles help reduce air pollution and carbon emissions. The council estimates the new infrastructure will save thousands of tonnes of CO₂ annually—contributing directly to cleaner air and a healthier environment for all.
Public and Government Support
The rollout has received strong backing from local and national leaders. Councillor Trevor Muten, Chair of Brighton’s Transport and Sustainability Committee, described the expansion as “dramatic” and essential for the city’s net-zero transport goals. He noted that installing more chargers closer to people’s homes will encourage EV uptake while allowing for cheaper, off-peak charging.
Lilian Greenwood, the UK’s Future of Roads Minister, praised the initiative, stating it would “make driving an electric vehicle easier and more convenient,” while also delivering cleaner air and economic growth. Industry figures echoed these sentiments, with charge point providers highlighting how the project will help thousands of residents make the switch to electric with confidence.
Challenges and Considerations
While the plan is widely supported, it’s not without its challenges. Installing thousands of chargers requires major upfront investment, as well as careful coordination with the electricity grid. Ultra-rapid chargers, in particular, demand strong local infrastructure and planning approval.
Affordability and accessibility are also key concerns. The council has pledged to keep costs reasonable by offering off-peak and flexible tariffs. All new chargepoints must meet strict accessibility standards, with many being installed on carriageway build-outs to avoid obstructing pavements.
Parking enforcement and maintenance are also being addressed through long-term contracts, ensuring that the chargers remain functional, accessible, and free from misuse.
Timelines and What’s Next
The rollout is already underway, with public consultations helping to shape the location of new chargepoints. Over the next three years, Brighton expects to add roughly 1,650 chargers—around 500 per year. Installation of Believ’s rapid units and Blink’s additional stations will begin later in 2025. Char.gy’s lamppost chargers will follow in phases.
The programme will be showcased during events such as the London-to-Brighton EV Rally, where new charging hubs will be demonstrated to the public. Longer term, the city will continue to develop high-speed charging hubs and neighbourhood installations to meet growing demand.
Driving Your EV Plans Forward – With Black Sheep Utilities
At Black Sheep Utilities, we understand that the transition to electric vehicles isn’t just about installing charge points—it’s about ensuring your business has the right energy in place to power them efficiently and affordably.
We help businesses secure competitive energy procurement deals that support the rollout of EV infrastructure. Whether you’re planning to install chargers for your fleet, staff or customers, we’ll ensure your energy supply is optimised—from sourcing renewable tariffs to managing usage around off-peak rates.
With expert advice, proactive account management, and a commitment to finding the best solutions on the market, Black Sheep Utilities is your trusted partner in preparing your business for a low-carbon, electric future.
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Where are the new EV chargers being installed in Brighton?
The chargers are being rolled out across the city, including residential streets, public car parks, and key destination points. Lamppost chargers will be located in residential areas to support on-street parking, while rapid and ultra-rapid chargers will be installed in public car parks and high-traffic areas.
Who is responsible for installing and managing these new charge points?
Several providers have been contracted by Brighton & Hove City Council, including Believ, Char.gy, and Blink Charging UK. Each will install and manage different types of chargers across the city under long-term agreements.
Will the public have to pay to use the new chargers?
Yes, users will pay to charge their vehicles, but the pricing will vary by charger type and provider. The council and its partners plan to offer flexible, off-peak and competitive rates to keep public charging affordable.
How will the city ensure that the EV chargers are accessible and reliable?
All new charge points are being designed to meet national accessibility standards (PAS 1899). Many are being placed on the road rather than pavements to maintain pedestrian access, and long-term maintenance plans are included in provider contracts to ensure reliability.
How can Black Sheep Utilities help my business prepare for EV adoption?
If your business is looking to install EV chargers for staff, customers or fleet vehicles, Black Sheep Utilities can help you get the energy supply in place. We secure competitive procurement deals, advise on green energy options, and help you manage your usage around the most cost-effective tariffs—making your transition to EV infrastructure smarter, cleaner and more affordable.
