Urban Fox, a partnership between Balfour Beatty Investments and Urban Electric Networks, has secured a contract with Suffolk County Council to deliver an on-street electric vehicle charging network across the county.
The programme will see more than 1,000 charging sockets installed, using retractable charge points designed to sit flush with the pavement when not in use.
The rollout forms part of the council’s ‘Plug In Suffolk’ initiative, which aims to expand access to EV charging, particularly for residents without off-street parking.
The retractable charge points are intended to reduce street clutter and maintain pavement accessibility, including for wheelchair users and those with prams, while supporting installations in residential and heritage areas.
Expanding access to on-street EV charging
Urban Fox says it will work with the council and local stakeholders to identify suitable locations for installations, with the aim of minimising disruption during deployment and aligning with local requirements.
Oli Freeling-Wilkinson, CEO of Urban Fox, comments, “This is another important step forward for Urban Fox as we continue to support local authorities in delivering accessible, future-ready EV infrastructure.
“By deploying our retractable UEone charge points, we’re able to provide a solution that not only meets the growing demand for EV charging but does so in a way that respects the local environment and improves the experience for residents.
“We’re excited to be working with Suffolk County Council to help accelerate the transition to cleaner transport.”
Richard Rout, Cabinet Member for Devolution, Local Government Reorganisation and NSIPs at Suffolk County Council, adds, “We’re excited to be working with Urban Fox, to ensure that those living in conservation areas can access EV charging, alongside those living in more urban settings.
“For many years, the county council’s Plug In Suffolk programme has recognised the importance of offering a variety of EV charging solutions, particularly to those who are unable to charge easily at home.
“This is not only to support the ever-growing number of Suffolk drivers who are switching to EVs, but also to benefit the county’s visitors and the tourism economy.”
The contract adds to Urban Fox’s portfolio of local authority projects, as demand for accessible on-street EV charging continues to increase across the UK.
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