Charge use hits new high as Winchester adapts to electric travel
Drivers in the Winchester district used a record amount of electricity at council-run charge points in the year to March 2026, the local authority has confirmed, as the area continues its shift towards electric vehicles (EVs).
Between April 2025 and March 2026, Winchester City Council’s public charging network supplied 479,382kWh of electricity — the highest annual total since the scheme began. The figure, released by the council, reflects growing demand for public chargers from residents and visitors alike.
The council has installed a total of 82 charging points in public car parks since 2021, providing a mix of fast and rapid chargers along with single and dual units. Officials say this variety is intended to meet different needs, from short top-ups to longer charging sessions.
"The increasing usage of our EV charge points shows there is a growing commitment to greener travel across the district, and I'm delighted that we are helping people make the shift to electric by providing EV chargers in key locations," said Cllr Kelsie Learney, cabinet member for the climate and nature emergency.
The council emphasised that increased charging numbers form part of its wider Carbon Neutrality Action Plan, which aims to reduce transport emissions across the district. The authority said it will continue to work with partners to expand capacity for electric vehicles and other low-carbon travel options.
What is changing on the network
Users of some charge points will notice operational changes in the coming months following a change in provider. Mer, one of the council’s charging partners, has been taken over by the charging network operator Be.EV. The council said Mer points will be updated with Be.EV branding and systems, including payment and customer support.
Be.EV has stated that its pricing will remain (announcement ongoing), while the council will monitor the transition to ensure services remain accessible to local drivers. The upgrade is presented as part of a wider effort to provide a reliable and user-friendly charging experience.
- Network size: 82 charging points installed in public car parks since 2021.
- Annual usage: 479,382kWh supplied April 2025–March 2026.
- Charger types: Mix of fast and rapid chargers; single and dual units.
- Operational change: Mer points transitioning to Be.EV branding, pricing and customer support.
Local impact and what it means for drivers
For Winchester motorists, the statistics translate into clearer evidence that public charging infrastructure is being used more intensively. That has practical consequences: increased demand can create queues at popular sites and emphasizes the need for more bays, reliable payment systems and maintenance.
For the council, the numbers support ongoing investment in low-carbon transport infrastructure and feed into conversations about where to place future chargers. High usage also raises questions about ensuring equitable access across the district — from the city centre to more rural parishes where home charging may be harder to install.
For businesses and visitors, a larger, dependable network makes Winchester a more viable destination for those who drive electric cars, potentially affecting shopping patterns and leisure visits.
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Annual electricity delivered (Apr 2025–Mar 2026) | 479,382kWh |
| Installed public charging points since 2021 | 82 |
Council representatives say the move to broaden and upgrade the network will continue as part of their efforts to reduce transport emissions. Residents and drivers are being asked to watch for updates as Mer-branded chargers change to Be.EV systems, which will include new payment and customer support arrangements.
As Winchester’s charging network grows, the practical task for local leaders will be to match infrastructure with evolving patterns of use — making sure chargers are in the right places, remain affordable and work reliably for everyone who needs them.
