Midlands Secures £40.8 Million for 16,000 EV Chargers

Thirteen local authorities across the Midlands are set to receive £40.8 million in funding from the UK Government's Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund to install over 16,000 new electric vehicle (EV) charging points, addressing the needs of residents without off-street parking. Approximately 31% of residents in the region lack access to a driveway, making public charging infrastructure vital for encouraging EV adoption. The funding will be distributed among various councils including Derby City, Nottingham City, and Lincolnshire County, with the installation process expected to begin shortly. Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood emphasized the importance of making charging seamless, as this initiative is part of a broader £2.3 billion government effort to promote the transition to electric vehicles ahead of the 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel cars. The expansion of the Midlands' EV charging network comes amid significant growth in the overall UK public charging infrastructure, which now boasts over 74,000 chargers. This investment is seen as a crucial step toward enhancing accessibility and supporting the shift to cleaner transportation options in the region.