A further 44 councils across England are to benefit from government funding to boost charge point rollout under the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund.
The latest funding, announced hot on the heels of approval of the first five local authority applications in February, provides grants worth over £185m to councils from Torbay to Tees Valley, which can choose where is best to install charge points in their local area.
The LEVI Fund supports local authorities in England to plan and deliver charging infrastructure for residents without off-street parking, via capital funding to support charge point delivery and capability funding to ensure that local authorities have the staff and capability to plan and deliver charging infrastructure.
The funding will support the delivery of thousands of charge points across England, helping more drivers make the switch to electric vehicles.
Additionally, the local authorities that have already been allocated to the second round of LEVI funding will be able to apply to the fund from 2 April 2024, following those who have received funding in the first round and in a further boost to the charge point rollout.
Technology and Decarbonisation Minister Anthony Browne said: “This government has a plan to help speed up the installation of EV charge points, which we’re getting on and delivering.
“This dedicated funding to local councils is part of our plan to ensure people can switch from a petrol or diesel car to an EV when they choose to do so.”
The LEVI fund forms part of the Government’s £381m dedicated fund to roll out charge points throughout the country. A major part of the EV Infrastructure Strategy, the LEVI Fund was announced two years ago and introduced following a pilot scheme.
To help councils deliver EV infrastructure, the Government-funded electric vehicle infrastructure training course also launches in full this week following a successful trial.
The course is open to all local authorities and will cover key topics from technology to procurement. LEVI funding has already helped to place almost 150 dedicated EV officers in councils to support charge point planning and delivery.
The Department for Transport (DfT) and the LEVI Support Body (Energy Saving Trust, PA Consulting and Cenex) are providing ongoing support and guidance to all LEVI Fund applicants.
Hugh Pickerill, programme manager for EV grants and infrastructure at Energy Saving Trust, said: “It’s great to see this latest round of funding allocated to what will be effective projects to improve EV charging infrastructure across the country. Having begun engagement with the local authorities applying to the next round of applications, we’re keen to start working more closely with them to assist in the development of their applications and to achieve excellence in project standard.”
Chris Rimmer, infrastructure strategy lead at Cenex, added: “With tranche two opening straight after Easter, we are looking forward to working with local authorities to support and ensure the next wave of applications learns from Tranche 1 to achieve an excellent standard.”
The announcement coincides with the news that households without driveways or dedicated parking spaces can now access the electric vehicle chargepoint grant. The £350 grant will be widened to those who own or rent and have access to adequate street parking.
Today also marks the launch of the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Forum. The Forum, chaired by Ministers and AA President Edmund King, will discuss how best to tackle barriers and accelerate the delivery of charging infrastructure. Wider membership will be set out in due course.
Edmund King, AA president, said: “I’m proud to be co-chairing the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Forum as I’m committed to helping consumers transition to zero emission vehicles and an efficient, affordable, accessible charging infrastructure is key to that. I’m also confident that the UK’s brilliant charging and automotive industry can deliver and play a key part in the UK’s net zero ambitions.”
