West Yorkshire Combined Authority Selects Blink Charging for £1.4 Million EV Infrastructure Project

The Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Pilot Fund (LEVI) was established to facilitate the growth of EV charging networks across the UK. Its primary objective is to assist local authorities in installing public charging stations in areas where residents lack suitable off-street parking. This initiative is designed to make charging more visible and accessible, thereby supporting the wider adoption of electric vehicles.

The project, which is set to commence later this year, will involve the deployment of 716 Blink EV chargers throughout the West Yorkshire region. These chargers will include a diverse range of options: Standard (3.7kW to 8kW), Fast (8kW to 49kW), and Rapid (50kW to 149kW). This varied mix is intended to cater to different charging needs and applications, ensuring that residents have convenient access to the right type of charging solution.

The collaborative effort encompasses all five districts of West Yorkshire—Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds, and Wakefield—each playing a crucial role in the initiative. Notably, Blink Charging already has an established presence in these areas, with existing chargers in many districts, further facilitating the project’s rollout.

Alex Calnan, Managing Director of Europe at Blink Charging, expressed pride in partnering with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. He stated, “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.” Calnan emphasized the need for high-quality, accessible charging infrastructure as more drivers transition to electric vehicles.

Tracy Brabin, the Mayor of West Yorkshire, highlighted the project's potential to improve local air quality and make electric vehicles more accessible. She remarked, “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.”

Supporting the initiative, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Keir Mather noted that the LEVI funding would make it easier and more affordable for residents to own electric vehicles. He mentioned, “Thanks to our LEVI funding, residents across West Yorkshire will soon be able to plug into hundreds of new charge points across the region, making it more convenient to charge on the go.”

Blink Charging continues to forge partnerships across the UK, collaborating with local authorities, businesses, and property developers to deliver customer-centric solutions aimed at fostering sustainable energy management. The company’s comprehensive range of EV charging services plays a crucial role in enabling a cleaner transport future.

As the demand for electric vehicles continues to climb, initiatives like the one launched by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Blink Charging are critical in establishing the necessary infrastructure to support this transition. With the deployment of 716 new chargers, West Yorkshire is poised to become a model for other regions aiming to embrace sustainable transport solutions. The collaboration reflects a collective commitment to improving air quality, enhancing accessibility, and ultimately contributing to a net-zero carbon future.