Drivers of electric vehicles across England from Durham to Dorset can look forward to benefiting from an extra £20 million in funding. This funding injection is yet another positive step towards electrification. The LEVI (Local EV Infrastructure) pilot scheme will enable local authorities and the industry to develop new, commercially viable EV charging infrastructure for consumers. This will include on-street charge points as well as large petrol station-style charging hubs.
Country Moves Towards Net Zero Emissions
The Government’s push to get more motorists to switch to electric vehicles can save drivers money on fuel and operational expenses. This will also improve air quality, as the country moves towards net zero emissions. The following areas have been awarded funding: North Yorkshire, Barnet, Dorset, Durham, Kent, Midlands Connect, Nottinghamshire, Suffolk and Warrington. Over 1,000 public chargepoints will be installed as part of the pilot.
The charging network for electric vehicles will grow across the country, supporting the nation’s adoption of zero-emission vehicles. This allows more people to drive EVs without worrying about running out of charge, no matter where they are. This will also help those without private driveways to have better access to chargers.
What do the Experts Say?
Minister for Decarbonisation, Trudy Harrison, said “We want to expand and grow our world-leading network of EV chargepoints, working closely with industry and local government, making it even easier for those without driveways to charge their electric vehicles and support the switch to cleaner travel. This scheme will help to level up electric vehicle infrastructure across the country so that everyone can benefit from healthier neighbourhoods and cleaner air.”
Edmund King, President of the AA, stated “It is essential that more on-street chargers are delivered to boost the transition to zero-emission vehicles for those without home charging. This injection of an extra £20 million funding will help bring power to electric drivers across England from Durham to Dorset. This is one further positive step on the road to electrification.”
Available Funding
The pilot has been awarded £9 million in private funding in addition to the £10 million in public money shared among the nine winning local authorities as part of the £450 million programme. £1.9 million will come from public funds across local authorities to support winning bids.
This pilot scheme will benefit many people including taxi drivers across the country. If you are thinking about switching to a greener vehicle, please check out our range of hybrid and electric taxis. To find out more, please talk to one of our experienced sales advisors – call the number at the top of the page or send an online enquiry.