The UK government has announced a £63 million investment package aimed at accelerating electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure across England, enhancing public and private sector access to affordable charging, and driving economic growth through its Plan for Change.
The flagship initiative includes a £25 million fund for local authorities to enable cheaper at-home EV charging for households without driveways. The scheme will support the deployment of cross-pavement charging technology, allowing residents to run cables safely beneath pavements and access household electricity rates. This could lead to annual savings of up to £1,500 per family, making EVs as affordable as 2 pence per mile to run.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander highlighted the plan’s broader vision:
“We are making it easier and cheaper to own an electric vehicle… This investment is about more than just charging points – it’s about charging up Britain’s economy.”
The investment also includes an £8 million grant for over 200 NHS sites to install EV charging infrastructure. The funding will support electrification of ambulances and medical fleets, expected to save millions in fuel and maintenance costs—resources that can be redirected toward patient care. According to the government, over 1,200 new NHS chargepoints will be installed across 62 NHS Trusts and 224 sites, contributing to a more sustainable healthcare system.
Health Minister Karin Smyth called the move a “win-win” for public health and sustainability:
“We’re investing in green energy to build an NHS fit for the future — cutting pollution and saving millions in fuel costs.”
The new support complements ongoing efforts, including the Local EV Infrastructure Fund and £6 billion of private sector investment, with more than 82,000 public chargepoints already operational across the UK and 100,000 more expected in the coming years. One chargepoint is currently added every 30 minutes, underlining the UK’s continued leadership in the EV space—it was Europe’s largest EV market in 2024, with 382,000 EVs sold, a 20% increase year-on-year.
To further aid adoption, the government is launching a grant scheme for businesses to install depot-based chargers for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), vans, and coaches. This aligns with recent updates to the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate, aimed at encouraging wider commercial sector electrification.
Additional funding is also being used to modernize EV road signage, with larger charging hubs now allowed to be signposted from major A-roads for the first time—an effort welcomed by the industry.
EV leaders praised the move:
- Edmund King, President of the AA, said:
“Increasing signs for the public network is vital… It will create confidence for drivers both now and in the future.” - Delvin Lane, CEO of InstaVolt, noted:
“Clear signage will help EV drivers locate public charging points and reassure those considering the switch.” - Ian Johnston, CEO of Osprey, added:
“Signage impacts all the UK’s drivers… We look forward to continuing to work closely with ministers.” - Chris Gormley, NHS Chief Sustainability Officer, said:
“This new £8 million investment supports the government’s 10-Year Health Plan and ensures the NHS continues to deliver for our patients and communities.” - Vicky Read, CEO of ChargeUK, emphasized industry alignment:
“With 82,000 public charge points installed and £6 billion being invested, this shows government recognising the vital role of EV charging.”
The EV boost comes alongside other driver-support measures, including the £1.6 billion pothole repair fund and an extension of the 5p fuel duty cut until Spring 2026, estimated to save motorists £50–£60 annually.
As the government pushes toward net zero goals, the new EV package aims to lower costs for consumers, reduce emissions, create thousands of green jobs, and cement the UK’s position as a global EV leader.
