EV charge point grant for people without driveways

The government has announced that electric vehicle (EV) drivers without off-street parking can now access a charge point grant.

The grant provides electric vehicle (EV) drivers with support towards the costs of the purchase and installation of EV chargepoints at residential properties if they are also installing a cross-pavement charging solution.

A cross-pavement charging solution connects to individual home chargers and doesen't require trenching or subterranean infrastructure.

The grant covers up to 75% off the cost to buy and install a socket, up to a maximum of £350.

The grant can be applied for by drivers of eligible electric vehicles that own or rent a residential property in which they live. They must have adequate on-street parking and permission from their local council to install a cross-pavement charging solution between their home and the approved parking space.

Meanwhile more than 40 councils across England will be benefitting from the Local Electric Vehicle (LEVI) fund as part of £381 million of government investment to roll out charge points.

The local authorities that have already been allocated to the second round of LEVI funding will be able to apply to the fund from 2 April 2024, following those who have received funding in the first round and in a further boost to the charge point rollout.

Technology and decarbonisation minister, Anthony Browne, said it is part of the government's plan to "help speed up the installation of EV charge points."

He said: “This dedicated funding to local councils is part of our plan to ensure people can switch from a petrol or diesel car to an EV when they choose to do so."

To help councils deliver the EV infrastructure required, the government-funded EV infrastructure training course will launch this week following a successful trial.

The course is open to all local authorities and will cover key topics from technology to procurement.

LEVI funding has already helped to place almost 150 dedicated EV officers in councils to support charge point planning and delivery, said the DfT.