A major scheme designed to prevent rural communities from being left behind in the shift to electric vehicles is set to expand public charging infrastructure across towns and villages in Oxfordshire. Funded by a £4 million government grant, the Oxfordshire County Council programme aims to install an additional 1,500 public EV chargers over the next two years, significantly increasing access for residents who lack private off-street parking.
The initiative focuses particularly on rural and less well-served areas where charging facilities have traditionally been limited. By placing chargers in locations such as village centres, residential streets and community sites, the council hopes to give more people the confidence to switch to electric vehicles without the barrier of inadequate infrastructure. Officials have emphasised that around 30 per cent of Oxfordshire residents do not have a driveway or garage where they can charge at home, making publicly available points essential for a fair transition.
Contracts have already been awarded to charge point operators, and pilot installations are expected to begin later this year before the scheme opens more widely for applications. The programme draws on Local EV Infrastructure funding combined with private investment, with the goal of more than doubling the number of public chargers available in the county by 2028. While some proposed sites have faced delays due to local concerns about the loss of general parking spaces, the overall plan continues to prioritise balanced provision that supports both EV users and the wider community.
Council leaders have described the rollout as a key step in ensuring that the benefits of cleaner transport reach every part of Oxfordshire, from urban centres to smaller villages. By targeting areas that risk being overlooked, the scheme seeks to build a more inclusive charging network that supports the long-term growth of electric vehicle ownership across the region.