How Northamptonshire’s EV network is changing

These new sockets are aimed at residents who do not have access to charge an EV at home. In West Northamptonshire, most of the new charging points are to be installed in existing lamp columns. This will provide access to drivers who rely purely on street parking to charge their EV. Installation is likely to begin at the end of the year.

The costs of charging and driving an EV are a major consideration for anyone thinking about making the switch.

This upgrade in new sockets is a major boost not just for current EV drivers, but those who ruled out an EV because they had no access to a driveway, garage, or private parking space with an EV. For those drivers, the reality of owning an EV could look very different as the new infrastructure arrives.

Far more drivers are starting to choose electric. The expansion of charging infrastructure comes at a time when demand for battery electric cars is growing rapidly.

Figures from the SMMT show that 28,063 new battery electric cars were registered in the UK in August 2026. This was 27.7 per cent higher than the same time last year, which means that EVs have an overall 29.8 per cent share of the new car market for August.

The UK Government is also reviewing the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate as part of its wider plans for the transition to zero-emission driving, including the proposed end of new petrol and diesel car sales by 2030.

EVs themselves are being sold in a much larger range of shapes and sizes to suit different needs. Families wanting to make the switch without compromising on practicality can look at models such as the smart #5 electric SUV. With five seats and a 630-litre boot, it is designed to accommodate everything from everyday shopping to longer road trips.

Put simply, the EV market continues to grow each year. With more EVs to choose from and more places to charge them, there are promising signs that the UK can reach its other target of net zero emissions by 2050.

Charging is becoming part of normal life. The changes coming to Northamptonshire aren’t just about increasing the number of charging points available. The aim of the project is to make charging more accessible for EV owners who can’t park or charge on their own driveway.

North Northamptonshire Council has targets set for around 80 per cent of homes without off-street parking to be within 250 metres of a public charge point by the end of 2029. The new network will give drivers more opportunities to charge while shopping, working or going about their everyday routines.

The council has reported that the charging technology will allow drivers to charge their vehicles during off-peak hours, when electricity is cheaper.

With more charging points being installed across Northamptonshire, EV ownership could become a more practical option for residents who have previously struggled to charge at home.