The UK Government’s Department for Transport (DfT) has announced a £50 million financial boost to accelerate electric vehicle (EV) uptake among small businesses, landlords and leaseholders.
The Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS), which offers up to £350 towards the cost of installing a chargepoint, will continue next year and will expand to help those in rented and leasehold accommodation.
The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) will be opened to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the charity sector. Small accommodation businesses such as B&Bs are expected to benefit from the funding, providing a boost to rural areas.
Tim Anderson, Energy Saving Trust’s group head of transport, commented: “Energy Saving Trust welcomes the Department for Transport’s announcement of £50 million to install electric vehicle chargepoints. The continuation and expansion of the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme and the extension of the Workplace Charging Scheme will enable many more people to have access to affordable, convenient charging at home and work. This is an essential step towards the phasing out of new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030.
“Support for small businesses is going to become more important than ever and this funding will enable businesses and drivers from all backgrounds the opportunity to be a part of the switch to electric cars and vans. This assistance complements the significant ongoing investment in on-street and rapid charging network by the private sector, local and central government.”
The latest investment follows £20 million in funding announced last week for councils to improve on-street charging infrastructure in their local areas.