Drivers across the Midlands are set to benefit from over 16,000 new electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints following a £40.8m investment from the Local EV Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund. The funding, confirmed today by future of roads minister Lilian Greenwood, will support 13 local authorities in expanding charging infrastructure across the region, with the rollout backed by Midlands Connect.
While the Midlands already has over 10,000 public chargers, the new investment aims to ensure drivers, including those in smaller towns and rural areas, have easy access to charging near their homes. Greenwood said: “Making charging as seamless and as easy as possible is crucial to making the switch to electric a success and rolling out over 16,000 chargers across the Midlands will make driving an EV cheaper and easier, especially for those without a driveway.
“Electric vehicles will power growth, cut emissions and improve lives in the Midlands and beyond as we continue to deliver our Plan for Change.”
The announcement builds on the government’s wider commitment to EV infrastructure, which includes over £2.3bn to help industry and consumers make a supported switch to EVs. Last week, £120m was confirmed to help drivers and businesses buy zero-emission vans, taxis and electric motorcycles. The Department for Transport also announced it has rolled out more than 1,400 chargepoints at schools and over 59,000 chargers at offices and workplaces across the country, improving access to chargepoints and fitting charging an EV around people’s everyday lives.
The UK’s EV charging network is expanding rapidly, with over 74,000 public chargepoints now available nationwide, a record of nearly 20,000 added last year alone. The 2024 Budget allocated £200m to continue powering the chargepoint rollout, with £6bn of private investment in the pipeline to further accelerate the rollout.
Maria Machancoses, CEO of Midlands Connect, said: “We are delighted that our collaboration with local authorities has resulted in a significant funding boost for electric vehicle infrastructure across the region.
“This is a great step in moving towards a reliable electric vehicle charging infrastructure network across the Midlands, which will become increasingly important as we move closer to the 2035 ban on diesel and petrol vehicles.
“We will continue to work with local authorities to accelerate the roll-out of electric vehicle infrastructure across the Midlands.”
Councillor Marc Bayliss, Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “I’m pleased that Worcestershire, alongside other local authorities, has been successful in this bid for significant funding towards boosting electric vehicle infrastructure.
“It’s hoped, that installing more public charge points, will not only support those who already have an electric vehicle, but also encourage others to make the move towards purchasing one.”
With over 382,000 EVs sold in 2024 – up a fifth on the previous year – the UK is the largest EV market in Europe. The government has emphasised that switching to EVs is becoming more affordable, with one in 3 used electric cars under £20,000 and 21 brand new electric cars RRP under £30,000.
