Government Unveils Initiatives to Accelerate Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
In a move described as an “exciting opportunity,” the government has introduced new measures to fast-track the deployment of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure nationwide.
Under the government’s Plan for Drivers, a range of grants and proposals aim to enhance the charging infrastructure. State-funded schools, colleges, nurseries, and academies are eligible for new grants covering up to 75% of the cost to purchase and install chargepoints, with a maximum of £2,500 per socket, a significant increase from the previous £350 limit.
The Workplace Charging Scheme has been introduced to augment chargepoint facilities for staff, allowing educational institutions to make them accessible to the public, creating revenue opportunities.
The government is also allocating funds from the £381 million Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (Levi) Fund to local authorities, with over £14 million already allocated to charging projects in East Sussex, North Yorkshire, and two London boroughs.
The goal of this funding is to facilitate the installation of thousands of additional chargers, ensuring the expansion of the public EV network aligns with the growing sales of electric vehicles.
To support local authorities in developing their charging networks, almost 100 dedicated “EV officers” have been recruited through the new investment.
Anthony Browne, Technology and Decarbonisation Minister, emphasized the government’s commitment to a smooth transition to EVs, having already invested over £2 billion. He stated, “This latest set of measures will mean EV owners everywhere benefit from easier and more convenient access to chargepoints.”
The additional funding also includes the launch of the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (EVI) training course, available to local authorities and their officers. The course, set to roll out further in mid-March following a successful trial, aims to enhance knowledge and expertise in managing EV infrastructure.
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Zapmap reports 55,301 charging devices across the UK at over 31,400 locations, with 1,436 new chargers added in January 2024. The government anticipates reaching the milestone of 100,000 EV chargers next year and achieving its target of 300,000 by the end of the decade.
Baroness Barran, Minister for the School System and Student Finance at the Department for Education, sees the grants as an “exciting opportunity for schools across England to become part of an ongoing move towards a greener public sector.” She emphasized the importance of supporting green infrastructure development to enhance local environments and contribute to sustainability and climate change goals in schools.
