Wealden District Council’s EV Charging Programme is tackling rural EV inequality by delivering a scalable, future-ready charging network in partnership with Connected Kerb. EV ownership has grown more than eightfold since 2018, and the programme leverages public and private investment to enable a fair transition to low-carbon transport.
EV Chargers and Infrastructure
Background
Wealden’s rural geography and reliance on private vehicles present a significant barrier to decarbonising transport. Residents without off-street parking face limited access to charging infrastructure.
Transport is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Wealden, reflecting its rural nature and high car ownership. This presents a significant challenge for decarbonisation, particularly for residents without off-street parking.
A 2019 resident survey highlighted this barrier, with 40% of respondents identifying a lack of public charging infrastructure as a key concern. Following our declaration of a climate emergency, addressing transport emissions became a priority.
In response, we have initiated a strategic EV infrastructure programme in our public car parks, awarding a contract to Connected Kerb in 2022, supported by:
- £156,800 in ORCS funding
- £150,000 from the Rural England Prosperity Fund for phase 2
- £44,402 from the Rural England Prosperity Fund
- £51,000 from the Council Climate Reserve for phase 3.
Objectives and outcomes
The programme aims to remove a key barrier to electric vehicle adoption by providing reliable and accessible charging, particularly for residents without off-street parking.
It aims to reduce transport emissions, future-proof local infrastructure and maximise investment through blended funding and private sector partnerships. A network of standard and rapid chargers will support residents, businesses and visitors, improving confidence in EV charging availability and accelerating the transition to low-carbon transport.
Project delivery & key stages
The programme has been delivered through a phased, scalable approach. Following procurement, a long-term partnership with Connected Kerb was established in 2022, using a 60:40 investment model to leverage private sector funding and reduce financial risk.
Phase one utilised £156,800 of ORCS funding to install charging points in priority locations, focusing on areas with limited off-street parking. Site selection was informed by data on housing type, demand and accessibility.
Subsequent phases have expanded the programme through additional funding, including £194,402 from the Rural England Prosperity Fund. This has enabled the introduction of six dual 50kW rapid chargers (12 bays), enhancing network capability and supporting a wider range of users.
The programme has also incorporated passive infrastructure, enabling further installations to be delivered quickly and cost-effectively as demand grows. Delivery across a dispersed rural area has been achieved through this blended funding model, unlocking sites that would not otherwise be commercially viable. Further expansion is planned in response to demand.
Impact and results
The programme has delivered a significant improvement to EV infrastructure across Wealden, significantly improving access to charging in a predominantly rural district. Over 50 standard (7kW) charging points across 10 locations have been installed, complemented by 12 rapid charging bays (50kW), creating a comprehensive mixed‑speed network that meets a wide range of user needs.
We secured £351,202 of blended funding, alongside private investment, accelerating delivery and maximising value for money. Performance data shows strong early uptake, with utilisation consistently above national averages and high levels of repeat usage, demonstrating established and growing demand.
Crucially, the provision of local charging points has made electric vehicle ownership a realistic option for residents without off‑street parking.
In the longer term, the programme will reduce transport emissions, improve air quality and support a sustained shift to low‑carbon travel. It also provides scalable infrastructure, with passive provision enabling future expansion in line with demand, positioning Wealden as a leader in rural EV delivery.