Government announces funding for EV charge points

The Department for Transport has announced funding for for more than 1,000 electric vehicle charge points across the country.

The new pilot will be supported by £20 million of government and industry funding.

The Local EV Infrastructure (LEVI) pilot scheme will involve local authorities and industry working together to create new, commercial EV charging infrastructure for residents, including faster on-street chargepoints and larger petrol station-style charging hubs.

The areas set to receive funding include Barnet, Dorset, Durham, Kent, Midlands Connect, North Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Suffolk and Warrington.

The scheme aims to help those with electric vehicles, but no private driveways, to access EV chargers.

Local authorities will be able to provide feedback on how to grow the network and the role the private sector can play.

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."