Bradford Council Selects Blink Charging

Blink Charging UK partners with Bradford Council to expand public EV infrastructure, installing 104 charging ports in the first phase of a project funded by the LEVI program.

Blink Charging Co.’s subsidiary, Blink Charging UK Ltd., has been chosen by Bradford Council to install new public electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The project is part of the initial phase of the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) program across the district.

Key Highlights

  • Bradford Council has selected Blink Charging UK to deliver 104 EV charging ports in the project’s first phase.
  • The initiative is supported by £282,000 in government funding from the LEVI program.
  • The long-term plan includes installing up to 1,000 new EV chargers at over 230 sites in Bradford within two years.
  • The chargers will be installed, owned, and operated by Blink at no financial cost to the council.

LEVI Program and Project Scope

The initiative, financed in part by government funding secured by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA), will prioritize locations with limited charging access. The rollout will include both on-street and off-street chargers, with a focus on improving provisions for drivers with accessibility needs.

All chargers will be owned and operated by Blink and managed through the Blink Charging app. The LEVI fund was established to help UK local authorities expand public charging networks, particularly for drivers who do not have access to off-street parking.

Regional Goals and Impact

This expansion is a component of a larger West Yorkshire strategy to enhance the regional charging network and facilitate a shift to cleaner transportation. By increasing access to reliable and affordable charging stations near homes, workplaces, and leisure destinations, the council seeks to accelerate EV adoption. The ultimate goals are to improve local air quality and create a more sustainable transport system for residents.

Official Commentary

Alex Calnan, Managing Director of Europe for Blink Charging, stated that the company is proud to partner with the council on this significant investment. He noted that expanding Bradford’s charging network will give drivers greater confidence to switch to electric vehicles.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Healthy People and Places, affirmed the council’s commitment to ensuring residents and visitors have access to dependable charging options. She highlighted that this phase of the LEVI program will have no financial impact on the Council’s budget, as it is fully funded through national grants.

Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, expressed that the new charge points will provide significant benefits for individuals without off-street parking and contribute to better air quality. She emphasized that investing in a reliable charging network is crucial for building a greener, better-connected West Yorkshire.

Blink Charging Co. is a global provider of EV charging equipment and services. The company’s offerings include the Blink Network, which uses proprietary cloud-based software to operate and track its charging stations. Blink has established strategic partnerships to deploy its solutions across various location types, including parking facilities, multifamily residences, workplaces, healthcare facilities, airports, hotels, and transportation hubs.

For more information, please visit https://blinkcharging.com/.

Stock It To Me

The EV Report
The EV Report

The EV Report is a digital platform dedicated to the global electric vehicle industry. It is a product of Hagman Media Group, and its mission is to inform, engage, and connect industry professionals and EV enthusiasts with relevant news and insights.