A wave of charge points to support the fast-growing popularity of plug-in vehicles will be installed across the UK after the government set out £32 million of infrastructure support up to 2020.

Homes, hospitals, train stations and A-roads will be some of the locations for further charge points to maintain Britain’s position as a global leader in this cutting-edge technology.

The support compliments the fast-growing popularity of ultra low emission vehicles (ULEVs) with grant claims rising 4 fold in 2014 compared to the previous year as take-up of plug-in car grants continues to rise.

The Office for Low Emission Vehicles also recently announced changes to the Plug-in Car Grant. From 1st April 2015, buyers of eligible electric cars will be able to claim 35% of the vehicle’s OTR price as opposed to the 25% currently offered.

In addition, another £11 million of funding has been announced to boost the UK’s position as a world leader in low emission vehicle technology innovation. The funding will be provided to 50 organisations, ranging from small businesses to major universities, working together on 15 research and development projects.

Transport Minister Baroness Kramer said:

“The funding announced today marks another milestone in the government’s support for ultra low emission vehicles as their popularity takes off.

“The public will find it even easier to charge their cars when they are out and about thanks to our £8 million commitment to support new charge points across key locations in our towns and cities. Today we have also announced another £15 million to continue the rollout of convenient home charge points across the country.”

The £32 million infrastructure commitment will include:

• £15 million to continue the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme. ULEV drivers will receive a 75% grant of up to £700 towards installation from 13 April 2015.
• £8 million to support public charging infrastructure across the UK which, alongside £15 million Highways Agency funding announced in Autumn 2014, will deliver charge points on major roads and across towns and cities- bidding for these schemes will open in May 2015.
• £9 million to address other infrastructure priorities, for example, ensuring that the UK’s world-class charge point network remains accessible and open for users – further details will be announced later this year

The government and industry are also working closely on the Go Ultra Low campaign to increase consumer and fleet uptake. Seven major vehicle manufacturers and the government are backing Go Ultra Low to highlight the increasing variety and benefits of ULEVs.

Source: Department for Transport