Press Release

Urban Fox, a partnership between Balfour Beatty Investments and Urban Electric Networks, has been awarded a contract by Suffolk County Council to deliver a major rollout of on-street electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across the county.

As part of the programme, Urban Fox will install over 1,000 charging sockets, utilising its award-winning UEone retractable charge points; a first-of-its-kind solution designed to integrate seamlessly into existing streetscapes.

The initiative forms part of Suffolk County Council’s wider Plug In Suffolk programme, which aims to expand access to EV charging, particularly for residents without off-street parking, supporting the transition to cleaner, more sustainable transport.

Unlike traditional charge points, the UEone chargers are fully retractable and sit flush with the pavement when not in use, helping to preserve valuable pavement space, reduce street clutter, improve accessibility for pedestrians including wheelchair users and those with prams and maintain the character of residential and heritage areas.

Urban Fox will work closely with Suffolk County Council and local stakeholders to ensure charge points are installed in the most appropriate locations, reflecting community needs and minimising disruption during deployment.

Oli Freeling-Wilkinson, CEO of Urban Fox, said: “This is another important step forward for Urban Fox as we continue to support local authorities in delivering accessible, future-ready EV infrastructure. Suffolk’s commitment to innovation and community-focused deployment aligns perfectly with our approach.

"By deploying our retractable UEone chargerpoints, we’re able to provide a solution that not only meets the growing demand for EV charging but does so in a way that respects the local environment and improves the experience for residents. We’re excited to be working with Suffolk County Council to help accelerate the transition to cleaner transport.”

Councillor Richard Rout, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Devolution, Local Government Reorganisation and NSIPs, said: “We’re excited to be working with Urban Fox, to ensure that those living in conservation areas can access EV charging, alongside those living in more urban settings.

“For many years, the county council’s Plug In Suffolk programme has recognised the importance of offering a variety of EV charging solutions, particularly to those who are unable to charge easily at home.

“This is not only to support the ever-growing number of Suffolk drivers who are switching to EVs, but also to benefit the county’s visitors and the tourism economy.”

This latest contract further strengthens Urban Fox’s growing portfolio of local authority partnerships across the UK, reflecting continued confidence in its ability to deliver scalable, community-focused EV charging infrastructure.

With a focus on innovation, accessibility and minimal street impact, Urban Fox is helping to unlock on-street charging for thousands of residents, making the transition to electric vehicles more practical and inclusive.

ENDS

All non-media related enquiries should be directed to +44 (0)20 7216 6800 or info@balfourbeatty.com

About Urban Fox: 

• Urban Fox is a partnership between Balfour Beatty, the international infrastructure group, and Urban Electric Network, a British EV charge point operator, formed in March 2023.
• Urban Fox provides local authorities with an end-to-end solution to the EV charging needs of near-home customers –from financing, planning and design to installation, operation, and maintenance, ensuring a seamless, hassle-free experience.
• Urban Fox offers a comprehensive range of near-home and car park charging solutions, including its award-winning retractable UEone charge point.
• Balfour Beatty Investments is an international infrastructure investor operating in the UK and US. We provide the investment capability required to deliver complex infrastructure projects. As one of the largest investors in the Public Private Partnership industry, we have built a portfolio across a range of markets including student accommodation, the private rental sector housing and multi-family housing.