EV chargepoint network to get £20 million boost

More than 1,000 additional EV chargepoints are to be installed across the country following a a £20 million investment from government, local authorities and industry.

Local EV Infrastructure (LEVI) pilot scheme is supporting local authorities and industry to build new commercial EV charging infrastructure, including both fast on-street chargepoints and larger petrol station-style hubs. Nine local authorities have been chose for the initial pilot, worth £20 million, which forms part of a wider drive to encourage more road users to choose electric vehicles over traditional petrol and diesel power.

The scheme will help residents without private driveways to have better access to EV chargers, as well as growing the charging network across the country, supporting the nation’s uptake of zero emission vehicles and enabling more people to drive and charge without fear of being caught short, no matter where they are.

The pilot is backed by £10 million of government funding shared among the 9 participating local authorities across England, supported by an additional £9 million in private funding. A further £1.9 million will come from public funds across local authorities. Successful rollout of the pilot programme will pave the way for a further £450 million scheme.

Decarbonisation Minister Trudy Harrison said:

We want to expand and grow our world-leading network of EV chargepoints, working closely with industry and local government, making it even easier for those without driveways to charge their electric vehicles and support the switch to cleaner travel.

This scheme will help to level up electric vehicle infrastructure across the country, so that everyone can benefit from healthier neighbourhoods and cleaner air.

Edmund King OBE, AA president, said:

“It is essential that more on-street chargers are delivered to boost the transition to zero emission vehicles for those without home charging.

“This injection of an extra £20 million funding will help bring power to electric drivers across England from Durham to Dorset. This is one further positive step on the road to electrification.”

RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said:

“We know that there are many drivers who do not have driveways or any form of off-street parking, so investing in streetside charging is an absolute necessity. Drivers can also look forward to the prospect of local charging hubs which will give them somewhere to quickly charge their vehicles without needing to drive any considerable distance. The goal must be to spark electric vehicle uptake by creating an excellent charging infrastructure that caters for everyone’s needs.”