The UK government has announced a £63 million investment to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles (EVs), reduce charging costs, and enhance nationwide access. This initiative is a key component of the government’s Plan for Change, which seeks to stimulate economic growth, lower household expenses, and create jobs through clean transport.
“We are making it easier and cheaper to own an electric vehicle,” stated Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander. “Our investment is about more than just charging points – it’s about charging up Britain’s economy.”
### Unlocking At-Home Charging for All
A pioneering £25 million scheme for local authorities will facilitate at-home EV charging for households without driveways. By utilising cross-pavement cable technology, residents can charge vehicles using household electricity, reducing fuel costs to as little as 2p per mile and saving up to £1,500 annually per vehicle compared to petrol or diesel models. This initiative will enable thousands of families previously excluded from low-cost EV ownership due to parking constraints to access affordable charging solutions.
### NHS Electrification and Depot Charging
An additional £8 million fund will support the electrification of NHS fleets across more than 200 sites in England, cutting emissions and saving millions in maintenance and fuel costs, which can be redirected to patient care. “This is a win-win: cheaper travel for the NHS and cleaner air for our communities,” noted Health Minister Karin Smyth. Over 1,200 new charging sockets will enhance the efficiency of the health system, yielding long-term taxpayer savings.
A new grant scheme for businesses will also back EV charger installations at depots nationwide, crucial for heavy goods vehicles, vans, and coaches. This aligns with updates to the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate, facilitating the transition for manufacturers and the 1.2 million individuals employed in the UK’s freight and logistics sector.
### Boosting Visibility and Confidence with National Signage
Official EV charging signage will be introduced on major A-roads, enhancing awareness of charging hubs, which have more than doubled since early 2023. This visibility initiative aims to bolster public confidence and facilitate the transition to electric vehicles. Edmund King, AA President, commented, “There are more public chargers than people realise, but they are often hidden in plain sight. Increasing signs for the public network is vital.”
Delvin Lane, CEO of InstaVolt, remarked, “This marks a major milestone for the EV industry and drivers across the UK… Our opinion research suggests that clear, official signage will make a significant difference.” Vicky Read, CEO of ChargeUK, added, “This positive action on strategic road signage will help more drivers see the extensive charging network… Our members are investing £6 billion to ensure deployment stays ahead of demand.”
### A Rapidly Expanding Market
With over 82,000 public chargepoints and one added every 30 minutes, the UK leads Europe in the EV market. In 2024 alone, 382,000 EVs were sold, making the UK the largest EV market in Europe and third globally. “We’re not just boosting charging infrastructure,” said Alexander. “We’re building a fairer, cleaner future where every family can benefit from cheaper, greener transport, whilst creating thousands of good jobs.”
EV ownership is becoming more affordable, with 2 in 5 used EVs now priced under £20,000, and 34 new EV models retailing below £30,000. The government also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting British motorists with £1.6 billion invested in pothole repairs, and fuel duty frozen at 5p until Spring 2026—measures expected to save the average driver £50 to £60 annually.
From greener NHS fleets to enhanced roadside visibility and affordable home charging, the latest £63 million package reflects the government’s strategy to make clean transport accessible, affordable, and economically beneficial for every family, business, and region across the UK.
