Birmingham Rolls Out 560 EV Charge Points to Boost Public Charging

Birmingham City Council has launched a major initiative to expand its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure by installing 560 new charge points in residential areas. This project, carried out in partnership with Ubitricity, aims to provide accessible overnight charging for residents without off-street parking.

Addressing the Challenge of On-Street EV Charging

One of the biggest obstacles to EV adoption in cities is the lack of private driveways or garages for at-home charging. Many Birmingham residents rely on on-street parking, making it difficult to charge their electric vehicles overnight. The installation of lamppost charge points offers a practical solution, allowing drivers to charge their vehicles near their homes.

The first phase of the project, which began in October 2024, has already seen 301 charge points installed across 82 streets. The remaining 260 charge points are scheduled to be completed by spring 2025. Each unit takes less than an hour to install, minimizing street disruption and avoiding unnecessary clutter.

Councillor Majid Mahmood, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport at Birmingham City Council, stated:

"While our focus as a council is on delivering the Birmingham Transport Plan and encouraging people to swap private vehicles for public transport, we also want to ensure that, for those who require use of a car, we have the infrastructure in place to facilitate use of low or zero-emission vehicles."

Ubitricity and Birmingham’s Green Transition

Ubitricity, a subsidiary of Shell and the UK’s largest charge point operator, is responsible for supplying, installing, operating, and maintaining the charge points. This collaboration supports Birmingham’s Route to Net Zero initiative, which aims to reduce transport-related emissions and encourage sustainable urban mobility.

Birmingham declared a climate emergency in 2019, setting a target to become net-zero by 2030. Transport currently accounts for approximately one-third of the city’s CO2 emissions, making cleaner alternatives essential. By expanding EV charging infrastructure, the city aims to accelerate the transition to ultra-low and zero-emission vehicles, reducing overall carbon output.

Stuart Wilson, UK Managing Director of Ubitricity, commented:

"Ubitricity is delighted to be supporting Birmingham City Council as they begin this journey to create one of the largest public EV charging networks outside London, encouraging the transition to electric vehicles, and helping to create a cleaner and healthier environment for the people of Birmingham."

A Model for Other Cities

The Birmingham project is being delivered with funding from the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS). This initiative supports local authorities in developing on-street charging solutions that meet increasing demand.

The city’s approach aligns with broader efforts under the Birmingham Transport Plan 2031 and Brum Breathes Clean Air Strategy, aiming to make walking, cycling, and public transport the preferred modes of travel. For those who continue to use private vehicles, ensuring access to clean and efficient charging infrastructure remains a priority.

With a rapid installation timeline and strategic placement based on resident demand, Birmingham’s pilot program could serve as a model for other UK cities looking to implement similar on-street EV charging networks.