More than 1,000 new electric vehicle chargepoints are being installed nationwide in a new pilot, as part of a wider £450 million scheme and Kent will benefit from funding to build residential chargepoints from both Government and industry.
Drivers in Kent will have better access to electric vehicle chargepoints, after being awarded £700,000 through a new pilot backed by £20 million of government and industry funding announced today (August 24).
Through the innovative Local EV Infrastructure (LEVI) pilot scheme, Kent County Council and industry will work together to create new, commercial EV charging infrastructure for residents, from on-street chargepoints to larger petrol station-style charging hubs.
The rollout supports the Government’s drive to encourage more motorists to go electric, which can save drivers money on fuel and running costs, and improve air quality as the country moves towards net zero.
The scheme will help residents without private driveways to have better access to EV chargers, as well as growing the charging network across the country, supporting the nation’s uptake of zero emission vehicles and enabling more people to drive and charge without fear of being caught short, no matter where they are.
The pilot is backed by £10 million of government funding and will see KCC awarded £350,000 local authorities in the first tranche of the planned £450 million scheme, supported by £357,000 of funding from industry.
Decarbonisation Minister 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 OBE, AA president, said: “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.”