Last week (5 February), the Department for Transport (DfT) announced plans to accelerate the deployment of electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints across the UK, including grants for schools, additional funding for councils and new proposals to boost chargepoint numbers. The measures have been launched as part of the government’s ‘Plan for Drivers’ – a 30-point roadmap introduced to improve the experience of driving and support the transition to zero emission driving.
The major talking point is that state-funded education institutions can now apply for grant funding that covers up to 75% of the cost to buy and install chargepoints. In addition five local authorities, including three from East Sussex to North Yorkshire and two London boroughs, are set to receive funding to install new chargers under the government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund, while a consultation will be launched to seek insight into further accelerating charge point installation across the country.
Commenting on the announcement, Jordan Brompton, co-founder and CMO of myenergi, said: “It’s great to see the government taking proactive measures to further expedite the installation of EV chargepoints in the UK. By providing grants for schools and additional funding for councils, we’re addressing key barriers to EV infrastructure development.
“While the government may have pushed back the ban on petrol and diesel car and van sales to 2035, the transition to electrification is still continuing at pace. As well as welcoming the zero emissions vehicles (ZEV) mandate earlier this month, we’ve recently seen the sale of Britain’s one millionth battery electric vehicle (BEV), as well as a 43% increase in the number of public chargepoint installations in 2023 compared to 2022.
“Increasing the accessibility of charging infrastructure will not only bolster confidence in the feasibility of electric vehicles as a viable long-term alternative to more traditional petrol and diesel models, but also alleviates the anxieties associated with EV ownership, particularly those centred around range and access to charging points.
“As we continue to progress towards a more sustainable future, the EV sector is perfectly positioned. With continued support and investment into further improving infrastructure, we’re confident that the transition to electrification will continue to drive forward at pace.”
