£63 million investment will expand EV charging access, fund depot installations, and electrify NHS fleets across 200+ sites, generating millions in public-sector savings.
New cross-pavement technology and grants enable at-home charging for households without driveways, saving drivers up to £1,500 per year.
Official EV signage rollout on A-roads enhances charger visibility, strengthening public confidence and supporting over 82,000 existing chargepoints.
Drivers, businesses, and the public sector across the UK are set to benefit from a new £63 million government investment aimed at accelerating the electric vehicle (EV) transition, cutting charging costs, and expanding access nationwide. The package is a major pillar of the government’s Plan for Change, designed to grow the economy, lower household costs, and drive job creation through clean transport.
“We are making it easier and cheaper to own an electric vehicle,” said Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander. “Our investment is about more than just charging points – it’s about charging up Britain’s economy.”
Unlocking At-Home Charging for All
A pioneering £25 million scheme for local authorities will expand access to cheaper, at-home EV charging for households without driveways. Leveraging cross-pavement cable technology, the initiative allows residents to charge vehicles using household electricity—reducing fuel costs to as little as 2p per mile and delivering annual savings of up to £1,500 per vehicle compared to petrol or diesel models.
The technology and funding will open up access for thousands of families previously excluded from low-cost EV ownership due to parking constraints.
NHS Electrification and Depot Charging
A further £8 million fund will power the electrification of NHS fleets across more than 200 sites in England, reducing emissions and saving millions in maintenance and fuel expenses—funds that can be redirected to patient care.
Health Minister Karin Smyth noted, “This is a win-win: cheaper travel for the NHS and cleaner air for our communities.”
“Over 1,200 new charging sockets will deliver a more efficient, modern health system,” the government added, emphasizing the long-term savings for the taxpayer.
A new grant scheme for businesses will also support EV charger installation at depots nationwide—critical for heavy goods vehicles, vans, and coaches. The initiative aligns with updates to the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate, easing the transition for manufacturers and the 1.2 million people employed in the UK’s freight and logistics sector.
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Boosting Visibility and Confidence with National Signage
In a move welcomed across the industry, official EV charging signage will now be introduced on major A-roads, improving awareness of charging hubs, which have more than doubled since early 2023. The visibility push aims to strengthen public confidence and ease the transition to electric vehicles.
Edmund King, AA President, commented, “There are more public chargers than people realise, but they are often hidden in plain sight. Increasing signs for the public network is vital.”
Delvin Lane, CEO of InstaVolt, said, “This marks a major milestone for the EV industry and drivers across the UK… Our opinion research suggests that clear, official signage will make a significant difference.”
Vicky Read, CEO of ChargeUK, added, “This positive action on strategic road signage will help more drivers see the extensive charging network… Our members are investing £6 billion to ensure deployment stays ahead of demand.”
A Rapidly Expanding Market
With over 82,000 public chargepoints in place and one added every 30 minutes, the UK is Europe’s leading EV market. In 2024 alone, 382,000 EVs were sold, making the UK the largest EV market in Europe and third globally.
“We’re not just boosting charging infrastructure,” said Alexander. “We’re building a fairer, cleaner future where every family can benefit from cheaper, greener transport, whilst creating thousands of good jobs.”
EV ownership is also becoming more affordable, with 2 in 5 used EVs now priced under £20,000, and 34 new EV models retailing below £30,000.
The government also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting British motorists with £1.6 billion invested in pothole repairs, and fuel duty frozen at 5p until Spring 2026—measures expected to save the average driver £50 to £60 annually.
From greener NHS fleets to enhanced roadside visibility and affordable home charging, the latest £63 million package reflects the government’s strategy to make clean transport accessible, affordable, and economically beneficial—for every family, business, and region across the UK.
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