Government announces winning bids for £37m funding to support recharging infrastructure
Wed 31 July 2013
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The Government has announced the winning bids for the first round of funding, worth £37m, to subsidise the cost of installing infrastructure for recharging electric vehicles. NHS trusts, local authorities and train operators will now be able to install charging points for electric vehicles on their property and on town and city streets at 25% of the full cost, while the Government will provide the other 75%.
This first round of funding was opened to applications in February this year. A second round of funding is open until the 30th October during which train operators, local authorities and the wider public sector are invited to submit bids.
Transport Minister Norman Baker and Business Minister Michael Fallon announced the winning bids.
Michael Fallon said: “The automotive industry in the UK is a real success story. 4 out of every 5 vehicle made here are exported and the sector supports many thousands of high-quality jobs across the country. We need to keep working with the industry to maintain this momentum and secure its long-term success which is why we are supporting the transition to ultra-low emission vehicles. As we set out in our automotive industrial strategy, there are huge opportunities for us from being a world-leader in these technologies.”
Norman Baker said: “With hundreds of new charge points adding to the ever expanding network of infrastructure, people will be able to recharge their cars at stations, in hospital car parks and on streets all over the country.
"This is brilliant news for those already using these vehicles and will greater confidence to those who are considering making the switch to electric. With new models coming to market every month from major motor vehicle manufacturers and running costs of 2 pence to 3 pence per mile, these vehicles are an increasingly attractive option for many consumers and businesses.”
The £37 million funding for this initiative comes from the £400 million the Government has already committed to increase the uptake of ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs) which will be available until April 2015. In July of this year the Government renewed their commitment to the ULEV sector by announcing a further £500 million of capital commitment up to 2020 to support the sector and create a stable buoyant industry to support it. This funding forms part of the Government's Roads for the 21st century initiative.
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