EV chargepoints are the focal point of fresh measures announced by the Department for Transport. The latest phase of the ‘Plan for Drivers’ includes financial support for schools and councils in a bid to boost chargepoint numbers.
Included in the plan (see announcement here) is a new grant that provides up to 75% of the cost to buy and install chargepoints, up to £2,500 per socket. It forms part of the Workplace Charging Scheme and is available to state-funded schools, colleges, nurseries and academies. The announcement also gave an update on the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund. Three local authorities and two London boroughs are the first to receive capital payments for local projects.
The news coincides with the House of Lords releasing its report on the same topic. The Environment and Climate Change Committee’s “EV strategy: rapid recharge needed” report considers multiple aspects of EV adoption and has recommended where the government should act.
Toby Poston, BVRLA Director of Corporate Affairs, previously presented to the Committee in the House of Lords. Upon reading Tuesday’s report, he said:
“Our sector is facing the challenge of EV adoption head on and driving incredible progress. We have been living and breathing the transition for years. To see our recommendations feeding directly into this report shows that people in high places are listening. The power is in their hands. This report gives us confidence that they are taking our steer on how to put that power to best use.”
Within the Committee’s report are observations including:
- Coordinated communications are required to counter the anti-EV narrative seen from some media outlets
- The Benefit in Kind taxation regime is stimulating uptake of new EVs
- Targeted support for the used EV market is required
- Battery health is a complex topic that requires some standardisation to support consumer understanding
- A roadmap for motoring tax is needed
The above are all examples of where the BVRLA has been calling for action, so their inclusion in the report is welcome. The association will continue to push for positive change in this space, members wishing to share thoughts or get involved should email [email protected].
