Government reveals plans to invest £1.6bn in making electric vehicle charging “easier and cheaper”

The UK’s charging network has been given a boost today, as the government unveils plans to support the UK market to reach 300,000 public electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints by 2030.

Backed by £1.6bn, under the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy, charging is set to become “easier and cheaper” than refuelling a petrol or diesel car, while new legal requirements on operators will see drivers of EVs able to pay by contactless, compare charging prices and find nearby chargepoints via apps.

The new strategy sets out the government’s aim to expand the UK’s charging network, so that it is robust, fair, and covers the entire country, as well as improving the consumer experience at all chargepoints, with significant support focused on those without access to off-street parking, and on fast charging for longer journeys.

£500m will be invested to bring high quality, competitively priced public chargepoints to communities across the UK. This includes a £450m Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund, which will boost projects such as EV hubs and on-street charging, so those without driveways do not miss out on cleaner transport.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “We’re powering ahead with plans to help British people go electric, with our expanding charging network making journeys easier right across the country.

“Clean transport isn’t just better for the environment, but is another way we can drive down our dependence on external energy supplies. It will also create new high-skilled jobs for our automotive and energy sectors and ultimately secure more sustainable and affordable motoring for all.”