The Government-backed scheme will see upwards of 100,000 new public chargepoints fitted across England under the £381million Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) programme. The primary focus is on households unable to charge their vehicles at home, particularly those living in terraced houses and flats without off-street parking.
Expanding Public Charging Infrastructure
Official statistics reveal the UK now has over 100,000 public chargepoints nationwide, with ministers targeting 300,000 by 2030. Through the LEVI programme, local councils receive funding and technical assistance to install chargers on residential streets, in public car parks, and at dedicated community charging hubs.
A newly launched government-backed EV Infrastructure Support Service stated the funding aims to accelerate public EV infrastructure development, leverage significant private investment, and deliver over 100,000 new public chargepoints.
Focus on Underserved Areas
The programme increasingly concentrates on areas where drivers have found it difficult to switch to electric vehicles due to the inability to install home charging equipment. Shropshire Council stated the initiative would help give residents fairer access to EV charging, especially in locations with terraces and restricted parking. West Northamptonshire Council also announced that LEVI funding is designed to assist residents who do not have private parking.
Affordability and Investment
The charging initiative arrives as ministers attempt to reassure motorists about EV affordability. Government statistics reveal two in five used EVs now retail for under £20,000, while dozens of new electric models are available below £30,000. Ministers maintain some EVs can cost as little as 2p a mile to charge at home.
Private companies are also investing heavily. Charging firm Believ recently announced a £300million investment scheme to install 30,000 additional chargepoints throughout the UK.
The Government states the broader transition is supported by billions of pounds of public and private investment, together with measures to safeguard British car manufacturing jobs and battery production.
Industry specialists say the swift expansion of on-street charging will be vital if ministers are to achieve long-term targets for EV uptake ahead of the planned phase-out of new petrol and diesel car sales.
