The UK Department for Transport has announced funding to increase the number of electric vehicle charge points. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has announced that funding for the On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS) will continue into 2021- 2022, allowing residents without private parking to reliably charge their vehicle.
Since its inception in 2017, more than 140 local authority projects have benefitted from the scheme, which has supported applications for nearly 4,000 charge points across the UK. This funding boost could double that, adding nearly 4000 more charge points in our towns and cities, tackling poor air quality and supporting economic growth as we build back greener from the pandemic.
Local councils play an essential role in providing electric vehicle infrastructure and so in partnership with Energy Saving Trust, the Department for Transport is welcoming applications from councils which are yet to apply for funding, as well as those that have already benefitted.
‘From Cumbria to Cornwall, drivers across the country should benefit from the electric vehicle revolution we’re seeing right now,’ says Transport Secretary Grant Shapps.
With a world-leading charging network, we’re making it easier for more people to switch to electric vehicles, creating healthier neighbourhoods and cleaning up our air as we build back greener.
The UK is already a global frontrunner in the shift to electric vehicles. The Prime Minister’s Ten Point Plan set out that we will accelerate the transition to electric vehicles, ending the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030, which could create 40,000 extra jobs by 2030, and transforming our national infrastructure to better support electric vehicles, backed by a total of £2.8 billion and supporting around 169,000 jobs. Of this funding, £1.3 billion is set to be invested in charging infrastructure over the next 4 years.
Original source: UK Government
