Connected Kerb project aims to bring EV chargers to underserved communities in Kent

EV charging company Connected Kerb is teaming up with Kent County Council to provide public charging infrastructure.

The first phase of the project will see 40 charging units installed across 20 sites, including locations such as village halls, pavilions, and car parks.

Each charger will provide a 7kW-22kW fast charge, and feature smart capabilities that can facilitate air quality monitoring, parking management, CCTV, road sensors, 5G connection, autonomous vehicles, route planning and power demand forecasting.

Connected Kerb says the infrastructure is designed to last for more than 20 years, providing a long-term revenue stream, which will go to local communities and to support the roll-out and maintenance of more chargers.

The company claims the project provides a blueprint for local authorities across the UK to deliver sustainable, affordable and accessible EV infrastructure to hard-to-reach communities, where lower footfall is combined with potentially higher upfront installation costs due to lower grid capacity and fewer connections.

Connected Kerb CEO Chris Pateman-Jones said: “Access to charging infrastructure is one of the biggest barriers to the uptake of EVs. Although demand for chargers is higher in dense urban areas, the lack of infrastructure in out-of-town communities leaves people concerned about switching to EVs. It is vital that access to public charging is equitable across the entire country and we bring an end to the EV charging postcode lottery.

“Nobody should be left behind by the EV revolution because of where they live. Our partnership with Kent County Council shows that the economics of installing EV charging in non-urban areas is much more favourable than many believe. This is a recipe for success for local authorities across the UK.”

Kent County Council transport innovations programme manager, highways, transport and waste Tim Middleton said: “Providing adequate electric vehicle chargepoints across the county is a key part of our strategic plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. 

“This partnership offers a fantastic opportunity for Kent businesses, residents and visitors to have equal access to electric vehicle charging infrastructure – not only is this crucial as we move closer to the 2030 ban on the sale of petrol and diesel cars, but it means that Kent can play its part in the transition to decarbonisation.”