£63 million boost for Britain's EV revolution, but one expert questions the timing given black hole

ELECTRIC car owners, and prospective EV owners, are set to benefit from the launch of a new Government initiative providing a £63 million boost to Britain's electric vehicle revolution, as part of its Plan for Change — but one expert has questioned the timing.

The Government says a pioneering £25 million scheme for local authorities will expand access to cheaper at-home charging.

This, the Government claims, will provide access to cheaper household rates, allowing consumers to save up to £1,500 a year compared to running a petrol or diesel car, transforming how thousands of households without driveways power up their electric cars.

Innovative cross-pavement technology will allow cables to run safely beneath pavements, connecting homes directly to parked vehicles, enabling more families to tap into cheaper domestic electricity rates for as little as 2 pence per mile even if they don’t have a driveway.

Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: "We are making it easier and cheaper to own an electric vehicle. We know access to charging is a barrier for people thinking of making the switch, so we are tackling that head on so that everyone - whether or not they have a driveway - can access the benefits of going electric.

“This is what our Plan for Change mission to kickstart Britain’s economy looks like in practice. We’re not just boosting charging infrastructure, we’re building a fairer, cleaner future where every family can benefit from cheaper, greener transport, whilst creating thousands of good jobs across the country.”

The Government is also modernising EV charging signage on major roads. EV charging hubs have more than doubled since the beginning of 2023 and immediate changes will allow larger EV charging hubs to be signposted from major A-roads for the first time.

Edmund King, AA president, added: “There are more public chargers than people realise, but they are often hidden in plain sight. Increasing signs for the public network is vital to help the EV transition as it will create confidence for drivers both now and in the future. It is great to see more support for those without off-street parking so that they can also benefit from the EV revolution.”

Matas Buzelis, car expert at vehicle history platform, carVertical, said it's a win for consumers and the environment: “The EV is without a doubt the future so this move by the Government makes sense and should be applauded. Many people living in urban environments, especially in big cities, don't have driveways and their dream of buying an EV often ends right there. If this initiative overcomes the practical hurdles of EV ownership and boosts the charging infrastructure, it's a win for consumers and a win for the environment.”

Samuel Mather-Holgate, Independent Financial Adviser at Mather and Murray Financial, added: “Until charging is quicker and easier, consumers won’t switch in the numbers needed to make a difference, which will incentivise manufacturers.”

But Scott Gallacher, Director at Rowley Turton, while welcoming the move, was sceptical of the timing given the poor state of the public finances: "On the face of it, it’s a great idea. EVs are undoubtedly the future. I’m on my second electric car, first a Tesla and now a BMW i5, and while I have access to charging both at home and work, I know lack of charging options is a major barrier for many people. So this initiative is very welcome.

“EVs are cheaper to run and improve local air quality, which is good for both the environment and household budgets. However, my big questions are: will this scheme be enough, how many households will it realistically help, and should the Government be subsidising those who can already afford a new car, especially when the public finances have a huge black hole?”