Government doubles funding for on-street EV charging

The government is doubling the funding available for on-street electric vehicle (EV) charging, with an additional £2.5 million.

The transport secretary Grant Shapps has announced today (12 August) it will make the extra money available to fund the installation of 1,000 new chargepoints on residential streets.

It will go towards the government’s on-street residential chargepoint scheme, which helps councils install chargepoints in existing structures, like lamp-posts.

The scheme was launched in 2017 and so far, has been used by 16 local authorities to install 1,200 chargepoints around the country.

“It’s vital that EV drivers feel confident about the available of chargepoints near their homes, and that charging an electric car is seen as easy as plugging in a smartphone,” said Shapps.

“That’s why we are now doubling the funding available for local authorities to continue building the infrastructure we need to super-charge the zero-emission revolution – right across the country.”

The Renewable Energy Association’s policy manager and EV lead, Daniel Brown said on-street charging will play a “key role” in the wider charging mix.

“This is but one of several important announcements to come from government in recent weeks, with others targeting the ‘smartness’ of private chargers, ensuring new dwellings with a parking space are equipped with a charger, and confirming a tax reduction for battery electric vehicles,” added Brown.

“As the number of electric cars and vans on the road is set to quickly increase as prices fall and availability expands, it is critical that infrastructure is in place now to support future drivers.”