Search: West Northamptonshire

West Northamptonshire Council has appointed Char.gy to install over 3,000 on-street EV charging sockets, funded through the Government's LEVI Fund and private investment. A large proportion will be lamp column units using existing council infrastructure, targeting residents without off-street parking through an evidence-based site selection process. Installation is scheduled to begin in mid 2026.

Why it matters: This represents one of the UK's largest local on-street charging programmes, signalling major procurement opportunities for lamp column conversion and demonstrating how LEVI funding can leverage private capital at scale. The mid 2026 start date gives CPOs and contractors a clear timeline for resource planning on a 3,000-socket deployment.

The UK government has allocated funding for approximately 484 new electric buses to serve Liverpool, Nottinghamshire and West Northamptonshire, replacing diesel vehicles. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander announced the investment, emphasising improved connectivity and air quality benefits. The article notes electric buses offer operational cost savings through lower fuel costs and potential grid support via bidirectional charging technology.

Why it matters: The procurement signals sustained public sector demand for electric bus fleets and associated charging infrastructure across multiple English regions. Operators and charge point providers can anticipate tenders for depot charging solutions capable of supporting nearly 500 vehicles, with potential vehicle to grid integration requirements.

The UK Government has awarded £2.2 million to West Northamptonshire to fund 17 new electric buses, adding to 54 already funded under the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) programme for a total of 71 vehicles. The Government's total investment in the roll-out stands at £11.8 million, with operator Stagecoach contributing £28.1 million. The first buses are being prepared for service and will replace diesel vehicles across Stagecoach's fleet in the area.

Why it matters: The expanded ZEBRA programme signals continued public funding for zero-emission bus fleets, creating procurement opportunities for vehicle suppliers and charging infrastructure providers. With Stagecoach committing more than double the public investment, the project underscores the scale of depot charging and grid upgrade work required to support large electric bus deployments.

West Northamptonshire will receive £2.2 million in government funding to deploy 17 electric buses, replacing older diesel vehicles in partnership with Stagecoach. The investment forms part of a £10.4 million package supporting electric bus rollouts in West Northamptonshire, Liverpool and Nottinghamshire, and contributes to a national programme introducing 484 zero emission buses across England under the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) initiative.

Why it matters: The award signals continued ZEBRA funding for regional bus operators and highlights Stagecoach as a delivery partner, offering insight into upcoming depot charging infrastructure tenders. Contractors and charge point operators should monitor West Northamptonshire for associated depot electrification and maintenance contracts as the 17 vehicle fleet enters service.