Local authorities across England are set to enter into contracts with EV chargepoint operators, ensuring the green transition happens sooner rather than later.
The contracts also ensure that millions of drivers without a driveway will be able to charge their EVs at local EV chargepoints.
Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood confirmed that government and industry are expected to install over 100,000 local chargepoints in the coming years – ideal for charging overnight for drivers without access to off-street parking.
This comes on top of over 80,000 public chargepoints already available in the UK.
The LEVI Fund: Delivering EV chargepoints to local authorities
Over 100,000 new electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints are being delivered, thanks to existing government funding from the £381m Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund, which provides support to the industry and local authorities across England.
The government is investing £4bn to support industry and consumers in switching to EVs, while securing global trade deals to back British carmakers.
Getting this transition right will help Britain tap into a multibillion-pound industry and create high-paid jobs for decades to come.
Greenwood explained: “The government is powering up the EV revolution by rolling out a chargepoint every 29 minutes, and our support to roll out over 100,000 local chargepoints in England shows we’re committed to making even more progress.
“We’re delivering our Plan for Change by investing over £4bn to support drivers make the switch, while backing British carmakers through international trade deals – creating jobs, boosting investment and securing our future.”
Private investment also fuelling the EV transition
This comes as £300m in private investment by Believ for 30,000 new EV chargepoints across the UK has been announced – a powerful vote of confidence by the industry in the EV transition.
Guy Bartlett, Believ CEO, said: “It’s fantastic to see government and private industry working together to accelerate the EV charging rollout. Collaboratively, we recognise the scale of investment required and the urgency of the need.”
He added: “Confidence in EVs will continue to grow as drivers see more infrastructure going into the ground. At Believ, we are very proud to be at the heart of this journey.”
Building together: The future of EV charging legislation
The government has been working closely with local councils to fast-track the delivery of chargepoints, with Suffolk County Council being the first local authority in England to enter into a contract with a chargepoint operator to kickstart their rollout.
Many more local authorities will follow in the coming weeks and months.
The milestone follows the government’s decision to cut red tape, making it easier than ever to install EV chargepoints and help more drivers save up to £1,110 a year by charging at home.
