The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) has announced it will be providing a total of £300m in funding to support electric vehicle charging. As a result, 1,750 new charge points will be installed as part of 204 net-zero projects across England, Scotland and Wales.
Ofgem says that this comes as part of a larger push to ‘ensure Britain has the energy infrastructure it needs to support the move to low carbon transport and heating while maintaining secure supplies’.
The money will be delivered over the next two years, helping to triple the current network of charging stations. These additional charge points (including new ultra-rapid charge points) will be positioned in key locations, such as cities, motorway services and train stations in rural areas.
Currently, an increasing number of people are choosing to buy electric vehicles. However, Ofgem has found that up to 36% of households not intending to purchase one stated a lack of nearby charge points as a reason why.
The government regulator hopes that the roll-out of these plans will help to address concerns surrounding the issues of range and access to a charger.
Jonathan Brearley, Chief Executive of Ofgem, said: “The payment will support the rapid take up of electric vehicles, which will be vital if Britain is to hit its climate change targets. Drivers need to be confident that they can charge their car quickly when they need to.”
Transport Minister Rachel Maclean also added: “With more than 500,000 electric cars now on UK roads, this will help to increase this number even further as drivers continue to make the switch to cleaner, greener vehicles.”
For the latest road safety news, visit the Anglo Liners blog each week. Alternatively, secure a free road marking quote, now.