Blink Charging Co. Selected to Expand EV Charging Infrastructure in Bradford

The ambitious project is partly financed by a £282,000 grant from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) through the LEVI program. Over the next two years, this initiative is set to bring up to 1,000 new EV chargers to more than 230 locations throughout Bradford. The focus will be on areas where charging access is currently limited, including both on-street and off-street charging solutions. Moreover, the installation will ensure that drivers with accessibility needs are adequately catered for.

The chargers will be installed, owned, and operated by Blink, with management facilitated through the user-friendly Blink Charging app. This streamlined approach aims to create a seamless experience for users, enhancing the overall adoption of EVs in the region.

Bradford’s initiative is part of a broader West Yorkshire effort to bolster the region’s EV charging network and promote cleaner transportation options. The Council’s objective is to provide reliable and affordable charging solutions near home, work, and leisure destinations. This initiative aligns with the pressing need to accelerate EV adoption and improve air quality, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable transport system for the local community.

“Bradford is making impactful changes by helping to make it easier for people to charge their EVs close to home, work, and on the road,” stated Alex Calnan, Managing Director of Europe for Blink Charging. “Blink is proud to be collaborating with the Council on this significant investment in the city’s future. The expansion of Bradford’s charging network will empower drivers to confidently transition to electric vehicles, thereby accelerating the adoption of electric transport.”

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Healthy People and Places, emphasized the Council’s dedication to ensuring that residents and visitors have access to affordable and reliable charging options. “This first phase of the LEVI program will provide new charge points across the district with no financial impact on the Council’s budget, as the scheme is fully funded through national grants,” she remarked. “Expanding this network will help meet growing demand and make EV ownership a more practical choice for people across the district.”

The LEVI fund was established to facilitate the expansion of EV charging networks across the UK, supporting local authorities in the installation of public charging stations. By addressing the gap between national net-zero objectives and practical EV adoption, the LEVI program is designed to make sustainable transport more accessible and convenient for communities nationwide. The deployment in Bradford exemplifies this mission by ensuring that drivers without off-street parking are never far from a charging point.

Tracy Brabin, the Mayor of West Yorkshire, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership with Blink. “It’s fantastic to have Blink on board as we make it easier for people to switch to electric vehicles,” she said. “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 safe, reliable, and easy-to-use chargers is vital in helping us build a greener, better-connected West Yorkshire that works for everyone.”

The selection of Blink Charging UK by Bradford Council represents a pivotal advancement in the local EV infrastructure, embodying a commitment to sustainable transportation and environmental responsibility. As the rollout progresses, the collaboration between Blink and local authorities promises to enhance the accessibility of EV charging solutions, fostering a more eco-friendly future for the region.