Brent Council is set to significantly expand its electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure with the installation of nearly 2,000 new charging points across the borough. The existing charging infrastructure includes 612 standard CPs (3.7- 8kW); 348 fast CPs (8-50kW); and 15 rapid CPs (50-150kW).
The decision, approved by the Brent Council Cabinet on Monday 28 July 2025, aims to tackle air quality, congestion, climate change, and transport inequality. The project will be delivered through a partnership with other London boroughs under the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund, with Brent allocated £1,250,000 of the £7,544,000 secured by Partnership 6, which includes Ealing (as lead borough), Brent, Hammersmith & Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon and Haringey.
Councillor Krupa Sheth, Cabinet Member for Public Realm & Enforcement, introduced the plan, highlighting its multi-faceted benefits. This is a vital next step in tackling some of Brent's most urgent challenges,
she said, air quality, congestion, climate change and transport inequality.
The move aligns with Brent's Climate and Ecological Emergency Strategy 2021-2030, which targets a halving of petrol and diesel journeys by 2030. Councillor Gwynne Grahl emphasised the importance of maintaining ambitious environmental goals, stating, It's really important that we don't do that in Brent and we keep our ambitious targets for zero emissions.
Councillor Jake Rubin echoed this sentiment, supporting the investment as part of a just and fair transition to net zero
. He noted the importance of supporting residents in the transition to electric vehicles.
Councillor Neil Nerva added that Brent is already in the top 20% of authorities for electric vehicle access, and this initiative will further improve access for residents. He also raised the issue of VAT on public charging, suggesting it should be addressed to encourage EV adoption.
The council will now invite tenders from charging point operators to supply, install, operate, and maintain the new charging infrastructure. The procurement process, including notification of award, governance processes and contract completion, is not expected to conclude before late Quarter 1 (April – June) of 2026/27.
The strategy prioritises public access and equity, ensuring that the charging network meets the needs of all residents. The criteria for identifying areas for charging device locations in Brent include:
- highest proportion of on-street parking, socio-economic factors that significantly influence EV adoption;
- poor access to public transport links;
- high car ownership density;
- large number of registered taxis and PHVs;
- high numbers of Motability customers;
- areas with high numbers of EVCP resident requests; and
- strong utilisation of existing EVI.
The council's strategy also focuses on long-term resilience, ensuring Brent's charging network meets the needs of all residents.
