A boost for the EV charging network

The measures form part of the government’s 30 point roadmap Plan for Drivers. It’s intended to improve driving experiences and support the journey to net-zero emissions. 

 

Government-funded educational bodies can apply for up to 75% funding to buy and install charging points. Five local authorities will receive funding to install new chargers under the government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund. 

 

There’s also a planned consultation about options to speed up charging point installation nationwide. They include allowing EV charging point operators to carry out street works using a permit rather than a licence. This could take days instead of months, reducing costs and speeding up the charging point installation programme. 

 

The government has delayed the ban on petrol and diesel car and van sales and the change to electric vehicles still has a long way to go. However, over one-million battery electric vehicles (BEVs) have already been sold. There was a 43% increase in public charging point installations in 2023 compared to 2022. 

 

Fully electric vehicles now represent over 16% of the new UK car market according to recent figures. As the number continues to grow, extra investment in EV infrastructure is coming from both government and industry. 

 

New laws should make charging electric vehicles easier and quicker. Prices across charging points should become clearer and easier to compare. Many new public charging points also have contactless payment options. 

 

A new practice guide for highway authorities is aimed at improving consistency in processing licence applications across different areas. This is intended for use alongside the government’s recent crackdown on disruptive roadworks. The measures could cut congestion for drivers and generate up to £100million extra to resurface roads. 

 

Last year, the UK and EU also agreed to extend trade rules on electric vehicles. This could save up to £4.3billion for manufacturers and drivers.