Leeds switches on first public on-street EV charge point in city centre

Leeds has brought its first public on-street electric vehicle charge point into service in the city centre, with a wider rollout of 70 additional chargers planned across 2026.

The charge point, located on St Paul’s Street, includes four charging bays, and was funded by Believ in partnership with Leeds City Council. The additional chargers that are planned to roll out later this year are also expected to be funded by Believ, but will include a mix of both on-street and off-street sites. The council said locations will include residential areas and community destinations such as community halls and sports centres, as well as city centre sites.

The announcement sits within Leeds’ broader transport and climate agenda, including its ambition to be the first net zero city in the UK. The council also points to its Connecting Leeds transport strategy, which aims to make it easier for drivers to move to electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles by increasing the availability of public charging.

Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, noted, “As a city, we are striving to become the first net zero city in the UK by reducing carbon emissions and reversing the decline in biodiversity, by supporting people to make more sustainable choices.

“Although the best choice is always cycling, walking or travelling by public transport, we know that this is not always an option.

“We want to make it easy for people to switch to electric or hybrid vehicles and this first public on-street EV charge point is an important step towards delivering a comprehensive charging network that meets the needs of our residents and visitors.”

Believ said the programme will be fully funded by the operator, with the planned rollout intended to improve the reliability and reach of public charging provision across Leeds.

Guy Bartlett, CEO of Believ, added, “We’re proud to be supporting Leeds with the installation of its first on-street EV charge point and to be working in partnership with the council to expand charging access across the city.

“Believ’s fully funded rollout will help deliver a reliable charging network, supporting residents and visitors to make the switch to electric vehicles. This is an important step in helping Leeds achieve its net zero ambitions and build a more sustainable transport network for the future.”