Drivers across England are set to benefit from a £63 million government investment to expand and modernise the UK’s electric vehicle infrastructure.
The funding aims to cut charging costs, support working families, and accelerate the transition to net zero as part of the government’s Plan for Change.
A pioneering £25 million scheme for local authorities will enable thousands of households without driveways to access cheaper at-home EV charging. Using cross-pavement cable technology, residents will be able to safely connect their vehicles to home electricity supplies, unlocking savings of up to £1,500 a year with charging costs as low as 2p per mile.
An £8 million fund will support the electrification of NHS fleets across 200+ sites, helping to reduce emissions and save millions in fuel and maintenance costs. These savings will be reinvested into frontline patient care, while over 1,200 new charging sockets will be installed to support the transition.
The government is also launching a new grant scheme to help businesses install EV chargers at depots, supporting HGVs, vans, and coaches in the shift to zero emissions. Meanwhile, £400 million is being invested in strategic road charging infrastructure, with modernised signage now allowing large EV hubs to be signposted from major A-roads for the first time.
This investment complements the government’s wider support for motorists, including:
- £1.6 billion to fix potholes
- Fuel duty frozen at 5p until Spring 2026
- A commitment to ensure the EV transition benefits working people and drives economic growth across the UK
Heidi Alexander, Secretary of State for Transport, said:
“We are making it easier and cheaper to own an electric vehicle. We know access to charging is a barrier for people thinking of making the switch, so we are tackling that head on so that everyone - whether or not they have a driveway - can access the benefits of going electric.
“Our investment is about more than just charging points – it’s about charging up Britain’s economy. I’m proud that through this boost, we are helping deliver cheaper bills for families, massive savings for the NHS to reinvest in patient care, and thousands of new green jobs.
“This is what our Plan for Change mission to kickstart Britain’s economy looks like in practice. We’re not just boosting charging infrastructure, we’re building a fairer, cleaner future where every family can benefit from cheaper, greener transport, whilst creating thousands of good jobs across the country.”
Image credit: iStock
