Boost for drivers as government delivers millions for EV chargepoints

Electric vehicle (EV) drivers without driveways or dedicated parking spaces can access the Government’s electric vehicle charge point grant for the first time.

The Government has announced that the £350 grant will be widened to those who own or rent and have access to adequate street parking, providing up to 75% off the cost of purchasing and installing a charge point.

EV drivers will require permission from their local council to install a cross-pavement charging solution, with applications to be made online.

The initiative is one in a series of charging infrastructure announcements made by the Department for Transport (DfT) this week, including £185 million of Local Electric Vehicle (LEVI) funding for councils and the launch of the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Forum, a collaboration between the Government and charging industry.

Technology and Decarbonisation Minister, Anthony Browne (pictured above), said: “This government has a plan to help speed up the installation of EV chargepoints, which we’re getting on and delivering.

“This dedicated funding to local councils is part of our plan to ensure people can switch from a petrol or diesel car to an EV when they choose to do so.”

The Government continues to deliver its £381 million LEVI fund to councils, which can choose where is best to install charge points in their local area. Following the approval of the first five local authority applications in February, payments to 44 additional councils across England, worth over £185 million, have now been approved to boost charge point roll-out.

To help councils deliver EV infrastructure, the Government-funded electric vehicle infrastructure training course will launch this week following a successful trial. The course is open to all local authorities and will cover key topics from technology to procurement. LEVI funding has already helped to place almost 150 dedicated EV officers in councils to support charge point planning and delivery.

The launch of the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Forum, chaired by ministers and AA President, Edmund King, will discuss how best to tackle barriers and accelerate the delivery of charging infrastructure. The Government noted that wider membership will be set out in due course.

King said: “I’m proud to be co-chairing the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Forum as I’m committed to helping consumers transition to zero emission vehicles and an efficient, affordable, accessible charging infrastructure is key to that. I’m also confident that the UK’s brilliant charging and automotive industry can deliver and play a key part in the UK’s net zero ambitions.”

He added: “AA surveys show that one of the main reasons why many drivers are hesitant towards switching to EVs is the perception that there are not enough charging points. To give confidence to drivers now and for the future, we need to overcome these barriers, which will help unlock cleaner, greener motoring for all. Extending grants to those without off-street parking is a step in the right direction.”

DfT figures highlighted that 56,983 public charge points have now been installed across the UK, which is a 47% increase compared to this time last year.

Photo courtesy of UK Government