United Kingdom: Hundreds of new chargepoints for electric cars

Hospitals, stations and streets across the UK will see a wave of new chargepoints for electric cars, thanks to government funding.

In February the government announced an extra £37 million to offset the cost of installing infrastructure for recharging electric vehicles.

Business Minister Michael Fallon and Transport Minister Norman Baker announced the winning bids for the first round of this funding.

Money will be made available to dozens of local authorities, NHS trusts and train operators to provide charging points on their property and town and city streets.

Bids are also invited from train operators, local authorities and the wider public sector for the second round of funding. The closing date for bids to be submitted is the 30 October 2013.

This announcement comes hot on the heels of an extra £500 million being committed to drive forward the market for ultra low emission vehicles, as part of the government’s plans for roads reform published in July.

Transport Minister Norman Baker said:

With hundreds of new chargepoints adding to the ever-expanding network of infrastructure, people will be able to recharge their cars at stations, in hospital car parks and on streets all over the country.

This is brilliant news for those already using these vehicles and will give greater confidence to those who are considering making the switch to electric. With new models coming to market every month from major motor vehicle manufacturers and running costs of 2 pence to 3 pence a mile, these vehicles are an increasingly attractive option for many consumers and businesses.

Business Minister Michael Fallon said:

The automotive industry in the UK is a real success story. Four out of every 5 vehicles made here are exported and the sector supports many thousands of high-quality jobs across the country.

We need to keep working with industry to maintain this momentum and secure its long-term success which is why we are supporting the transition to ultra low emission vehicles. As we set out in our automotive industrial strategy, there are huge opportunities for us from being a world-leader in these technologies.

The coalition government will provide 75% of the cost of installing new chargepoints.

The £37 million funding for the package comes from the government’s existing £400 million commitment to increase the uptake of ultra low emission vehicles and is available until April 2015.

The government has committed £400 million over the lifetime of this Parliament to support ultra low emission vehicles. This already includes funding for a consumer incentive of up to £5,000 for eligible cars and up to £8,000 for eligible vans; and £82 million for research, development and procurement programmes. We have also provided funding to kick-start the installation of chargepoints through eight regional schemes in the UK.