Through its Plan for Change, the UK government has proposed a £63 million investment package targeted at boosting economic growth, expanding access to inexpensive charging for the public and private sectors, and expediting the development of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure throughout England.
A £25 million subsidy for local governments to facilitate more affordable at-home EV charging for homes without driveways is part of the flagship project. In order to enable households to safely lay cables beneath pavements and access household electricity rates, the program will assist the introduction of cross-pavement charging technology. Families might save up to £1,500 a year as a result, making EVs as cheap as two pence per mile to operate.
The plan’s overarching goal was emphasised by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander: “We are making it easier and cheaper to own an electric vehicle.” “The goal of this investment is to boost the British economy, not only to add charging stations.”
An additional £8 million grant for the installation of EV charging infrastructure at more than 200 NHS locations is part of the commitment. The money will go towards electrifying ambulances and medical fleets, which could save millions of dollars in fuel and maintenance expenses. These savings might then be used to improve patient care. The government claims that more than 1,200 additional NHS chargepoints would be set up at 224 locations and 62 NHS Trusts, helping to create a more sustainable healthcare system.
Health Minister Karin Smyth called the move a “win-win” for public health and sustainability:
“We’re investing in green energy to build an NHS fit for the future — cutting pollution and saving millions in fuel costs.”
With over 82,000 public charging stations now in operation around the UK and 100,000 more anticipated in the upcoming years, the new assistance supports ongoing initiatives like the Local EV Infrastructure Fund and £6 billion in private sector investment. Currently, one charging station is added every 30 minutes, demonstrating the UK’s ongoing dominance in the EV market. In 2024, it sold 382,000 EVs, a 20% increase from the previous year, making it Europe’s largest EV market.
The government is starting a grant programme to help companies install depot-based chargers for coaches, vans, and heavy goods trucks (HGVs) in order to promote adoption even more. This is in line with new revisions to the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate, which are meant to promote electrification of the commercial sector more broadly.
The industry is applauding the initiative to modernise EV road signs, which includes allowing larger charging centres to be indicated from major A-roads for the first time.
EV leaders praised the move:
- Edmund King, President of the AA, said:
“Increasing signs for the public network is vital… It will create confidence for drivers both now and in the future.” - Delvin Lane, CEO of InstaVolt, noted:
“Clear signage will help EV drivers locate public charging points and reassure those considering the switch.” - Ian Johnston, CEO of Osprey, added:
“Signage impacts all the UK’s drivers… We look forward to continuing to work closely with ministers.” - Chris Gormley, NHS Chief Sustainability Officer, said:
“This new £8 million investment supports the government’s 10-Year Health Plan and ensures the NHS continues to deliver for our patients and communities.” - Vicky Read, CEO of ChargeUK, emphasised industry alignment:
“With 82,000 public charge points installed and £6 billion being invested, this shows the government recognising the vital role of EV charging.”
The £1.6 billion pothole repair fund and a continuation of the 5p fuel price cut until spring 2026, which is expected to save drivers between £50 and £60 a year, are two further driver-support initiatives that accompany the EV increase.
The new EV package seeks to lower consumer costs, cut emissions, generate thousands of green jobs, and solidify the UK’s position as a global leader in EVs as the government works towards net zero goals.