By KLTV Newsdesk –

Blink Charging chosen to deliver first phase of £1.4 million scheme bringing charge points closer to residents, including 152 across Kirklees

Ambitions to make electric vehicle (EV) charging more accessible across West Yorkshire have accelerated with the appointment of Blink Charging to deliver the first phase of the region’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) programme.

A total of 716 new public chargers will be installed across the region, 152 of which will be located in Kirklees, as part of a £1.4 million government-funded pilot focused on areas without access to off-street parking.

The project, delivered in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) and local councils, aims to create a comprehensive and inclusive charging network that supports the transition to low-emission travel.

“One Step Closer” to Better Charging Access

The Deputy Leader of Kirklees Council and Cabinet Member for Housing and Transport welcomed the move, saying: “This is a really exciting step in the LEVI programme and it brings us one step closer to getting more electric vehicle charging points in the ground in Kirklees.

“This is obviously good news if you own an electric vehicle, but it also makes going electric in Kirklees a more attractive and convenient option, especially for anyone who doesn’t have access to on-street parking”.

A “Greener, Better-Connected West Yorkshire”

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin added: “It’s fantastic to have Blink on board as we make it easier for people to switch to electric vehicles.

“These new charge points closer to home will bring huge benefits to people without off-street parking and contribute to improving air quality in our communities.

“Investing in electric vehicle chargers that are safe, reliable and easy to use will help us build a greener, better-connected West Yorkshire that works for all.”

“An Honour to Support Local Net-Zero Goals”

Alex Calnan, Managing Director of Europe for Blink, said: “It’s an honour to be working with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority on this significant and impactful project.”

“This LEVI funding win also marks the latest in a series of key milestones in Blink’s UK expansion, reinforcing our commitment to supporting local authorities in their net-zero ambitions.

“As more drivers transition to electric vehicles, it’s essential that we continue to provide accessible and high-quality charging infrastructure. We look forward to working closely with each of the five WYCA councils to make this a reality.”

Making EV Ownership Cheaper and Easier

Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Keir Mather said: “We’re making it easier and more affordable than ever to own an electric car. Thanks to our LEVI funding, residents across West Yorkshire will soon be able to plug into hundreds of new chargepoints across the region, making it more convenient to charge on the go, no matter where you live.

“On top of that, we’re cutting costs for drivers too, with discounts of up to £3,750 off some new EVs to help working people and families make the switch to electric. It’s all about making EVs cheaper and a reality for more families, across the UK.”

Data-Led Rollout Across Districts

Blink will collaborate closely with district councils and local communities to ensure chargers are installed in the most suitable locations. Both on-street and off-street sites, such as public car parks, will be considered, using a data-driven approach informed by resident feedback.

The rollout will include a mix of:

• Standard chargers (3.7kW to <8kW)

• Fast chargers (8kW to 49kW)

• Rapid chargers (50kW to 149kW)

to meet a variety of charging needs.

Next Phases Already Funded

The Combined Authority has secured an additional £14.3 million in capital funding from the government for the second and third phases of the LEVI rollout, with suppliers expected to be appointed in 2026 and 2027.

By making EV ownership more practical for residents, the LEVI scheme is set to play a key role in helping West Yorkshire meet its ambition of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2038.