Electric vehicle charging and infrastructure updates

This article highlights significant news, events and progress on the Electric Vehicle infrastructure delivered by West Berkshire Council. Included will be information and images highlighting the work that we have done and the strides we are taking for a net zero future.

Berkshire rEVolution: a spark of inspiration for West Berkshire's EV future

Over 200 residents, business owners, and sustainability enthusiasts gathered at the Berkshire Electric Vehicle Awareness Event this summer to explore the future of transport and West Berkshire Council was right at the heart of it.

Held at Winnersh Triangle Business Park on 11 July 2025, the event - dubbed Berkshire rEVolution - offered a hands-on, informative experience for anyone curious about electric vehicles (EVs), climate action, and the technologies shaping our roads and beyond. 

What Made the Event Special?

Visitors had the chance to:

• test drive over 40 electric vehicles from brands like Tesla, BMW, Citroën, and Porsche
• attend expert-led presentations on EV innovation, climate change, and government grants
• explore indoor and outdoor exhibitions featuring EV infrastructure providers, sustainability initiatives, and local authority projects
• engage in panel discussions with industry leaders and academics, including speakers from the University of Reading, Energy Saving Trust, and EZOO
• at the EV event, the following WBC approved products and services were present with stands: Kerbo Charge, Solar Together (our partners), Ubitricity (on-street charging installer), and Enterprise Mobility (Car Club Provider)

The event was organised in partnership with Let's Experience Electric, Winnersh Triangle Business Park, and all six Berkshire local authorities - including West Berkshire Council.

West Berkshire's role

West Berkshire Council made a strong impression with a vibrant stand showcasing:

• EV infrastructure projects across the district
• environmental strategy materials
• press coverage of recent EV charger installations
• a branded flag and banner highlighting the Council's sustainability vision

Council Officers led by Service Lead for Climate Change, Kofi Adu-Gyamfi, engaged with attendees throughout the day, answering questions and sharing insights into local EV initiatives. Councillor Justin Pemberton and Mayor Petra Pemberton also visited the stand, discussing future plans and offering support for promoting EV adoption in Thatcham and beyond.

What did attendees think?

Feedback was overwhelmingly positive:

• 92% rated the event as Good or Excellent
• 75% said they're very likely to consider purchasing an EV
• test drives were the most popular feature, followed by presentations and exhibitor engagement

Some constructive feedback included improving signage (particularly around the customer designated parking area), sound quality during speeches, and the registration process (which was oversubscribed) - all valuable insights for future events.

Looking ahead

The success of Berkshire rEVolution has sparked interest in hosting similar events locally in West Berkshire. With growing enthusiasm for sustainable transport and strong community engagement, the Council is exploring opportunities to bring EV experiences closer to home.

Thatcham powers ahead with new 22kW EV charger at Kennet Leisure Centre

Electric vehicle (EV) drivers in Thatcham now have a faster and more convenient way to charge, thanks to the installation of a new 22kW dual EV charger at Kennet Leisure Centre car park.

Strategically located for leisure centre visitors, local shoppers, and commuters, the charger features two dedicated bays and supports contactless payment via debit/credit card or the Evolt Network app - making it easy to top up while enjoying nearby amenities.

The delivery of this charger is part of West Berkshire Council's ongoing commitment to expanding EV infrastructure and promoting Low Emission travel across the district.

The installation was officially launched by Councillor Stuart Gourley, Executive Portfolio Holder for Environment and Highways, joined by Thatcham Mayor Petra Pemberton and Councillor Justin Pemberton, both passionate advocates for electric vehicles. Also in attendance was Ian Martinez, Manager of West Berkshire Council's Car Parking Team.

Mayor Pemberton, who recently completed a cross-Europe journey in her electric vehicle, commented:

"Kennet Leisure Centre's new EV charger is a brilliant example of how local organisations can make a difference. Sustainability is a team effort, and every step like this helps us get there together."

Councillor Stuart Gourley added:

"We're making it easier for people in Thatcham to choose cleaner travel options. This new EV charger at Kennet Leisure car park is part of our wider effort to support greener living across West Berkshire."

The launch follows the success of the Berkshire Electric Vehicle Awareness Event held in July at Winnersh Triangle, where residents and businesses explored the latest EV technologies, grants, and charging solutions. You can read more about the event on the Winnersh Triangle website here.

For more information about electric vehicle initiatives in West Berkshire, visit Electric Vehicles - West Berkshire Council.

Over 600 new electric vehicle (EV) chargers coming to West Berkshire

We have partnered with Connected Kerb in £382,000 LEVI-funded programme to expand accessible EV charging across the district.

West Berkshire Council is taking a major step towards a cleaner, greener future by partnering with Connected Kerb to deliver more than 600 new electric vehicle (EV) charge points across the district.

The project, supported by £382,000 from the Department for Transport's Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund and backed by additional private investment through Connected Kerb, will make it easier for residents to switch to electric vehicles - especially those living in flats or homes without driveways. As part of the rollout, the scheme will also include infrastructure for a further 300 future charge points across West Berkshire to ensure the network can grow as demand increases in public car parks and on-street locations. This allows us to focus on making charging accessible for everyone, not just to those with off-street parking.

Installations are expected to begin in 2026, with full delivery planned over the first four years. Locations will be confirmed soon once feasibility studies have been completed.

Councillor Stuart Gourley, Executive Member for Environment and Highways at West Berkshire Council, said:

"This project is a major step forward in delivering our climate and transport strategy. By expanding public EV infrastructure, we're enabling more residents to support our net-zero goals by choosing sustainable travel and future proofing the district as demand grows."

Keir Mather, Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister, said:

"We're making it easier to charge on the go in West Berkshire with over £380,000 funding for 600 new public charge points, giving drivers the confidence to go electric.

"We're also cutting upfront costs, with £1.3 billion to extend the Electric Car Grant until 2030, saving drivers up to £3,750 on a new EV, alongside an extra £600 million this year alone for more chargers across the country."

Connected Kerb CEO, Chris Pateman-Jones, said: 

"This partnership is all about giving every resident the confidence to go electric. By bringing reliable, affordable charging to the areas that need it most, we're helping West Berkshire build a fair, future-ready EV network that serves the whole community."

The 20-year contract includes a revenue-share model, capped tariffs to keep charging affordable, and strong service level agreements to ensure performance and reliability. At the end of the contract, all infrastructure will transfer to the Council, providing long-term public benefit.

Image credit © to Connected Kerb

£50,000 grant secured to help more West Berkshire residents charge electric vehicles (EVs) at home

Funding will support safe cross-pavement charging solutions for households without driveways

West Berkshire Council has secured £50,000 through the Department for Transport's EV Pavement Channel Grant to help residents without off-street parking charge their electric vehicles (EVs) safely and affordably near or at their home.

The funding will support the installation of cross-pavement charging channels - a practical solution that allows residents to run a charging cable across the pavement without creating a trip hazard. This will make home charging possible for households who do not have off-street parking.

Being able to use domestic electricity tariffs, which are often significantly cheaper than public charging points, will help reduce costs for EV owners and encourage more residents to consider switching to cleaner vehicles. This supports the Council's wider goals to cut carbon emissions and improve local air quality.

The grant will cover the cost of the Section 178 Licence, which residents would normally pay for when applying for a cross-pavement channel installation. Some households may also be eligible for an additional Government grant to help fund both the charge point and the charging channel (see here for more details).

Cllr Stuart Gourley, Executive Member for Environment and Transport at West Berkshire Council, said:

"We know that many residents want to switch to electric vehicles but are held back because they cannot charge at home. This funding helps us remove a major barrier by making safe, affordable home charging an option for more people.

"It's an important step in supporting cleaner travel and improving air quality across West Berkshire. We're proud to lead initiatives that not only reduce emissions but also empower local communities to embrace sustainable energy solutions."

Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister, Keir Mather, said:

"Our investment is backing the rollout of EV chargers in West Berkshire and helping residents install home charging solutions more easily and cheaply, so they can charge up for as little as 2p per mile.

"We know home charging isn't just for those with driveways, and that's why we have a national £25 million scheme to help people install discreet cross-pavement gullies.

"Alongside this we're also tackling upfront costs with £1.3 billion announced at the Budget to extend the Electric Car Grant to 2030, saving drivers up to £3,750 off new EVs, alongside an extra £200 million to rollout more public chargers."

Full guidance and application details are available at: www.westberks.gov.uk/library.

We are delighted to be among the first local authorities to receive this funding, demonstrating our proactive approach to expanding sustainable transport options and ensuring fair access to EV charging for all residents.

For general enquiries, contact: ev@westberks.gov.uk.