Skip to main content

UK Government funding for plug-in vehicle infrastructure

A wave of charge-points to support the fast-growing popularity of plug-in vehicles will be installed across the UK after the government set out US$49 million of infrastructure support up to 2020. Homes, hospitals, train stations and A-roads will be some of the locations for further charge-points to maintain Britain’s position as a global leader in this cutting-edge technology. The support compliments the fast-growing popularity of ultra low emission vehicles (ULEVs) with grant claims rising four-fold in 20
February 27, 2015 Read time: 3 mins
A wave of charge-points to support the fast-growing popularity of plug-in vehicles will be installed across the UK after the government set out US$49 million of infrastructure support up to 2020.

Homes, hospitals, train stations and A-roads will be some of the locations for further charge-points to maintain Britain’s position as a global leader in this cutting-edge technology.

The support compliments the fast-growing popularity of ultra low emission vehicles (ULEVs) with grant claims rising four-fold in 2014 compared to the previous year as take-up of plug-in car grants continues to rise.

In addition, another US$16 million of funding has been announced to boost the UK’s position as a world leader in low emission vehicle technology innovation. The funding will be provided to 50 organisations, ranging from small businesses to major universities, working together on 15 research and development projects, which include: the creation of a novel recycled carbon fibre material that will bring lightweight, low cost vehicle chassis structures to the mass market; development of a zero emission electric bus with hydrogen fuel cell range extender at a fraction of the cost of the current generation of hydrogen buses; a prototype zero-emission power and cooling system adapted from a cutting-edge liquid nitrogen powered engine that will dramatically reduce the CO2 emissions from refrigerated trucks and air-conditioned buses.

Announcing the funding, Transport Minister Baroness Kramer said: “The funding announced today marks another milestone in the government’s support for ultra low emission vehicles as their popularity takes off.

“The public will find it even easier to charge their cars when they are out and about thanks to our US$12 million commitment to support new charge-points across key locations in our towns and cities. And we have today announced another US$23 million to continue to back the rollout of convenient home charge-points across the country.

“Our support to the ULEV industry will help ensure the innovation that is a hallmark of the British automotive industry will continue to drive development in this vital growth sector.”

The niche vehicle sector, which makes everything from premium sports cars to double decker buses, is a key strength for UK industry and another US$770,000 funding will be provided this year to support the development of carbon-saving cutting edge technologies.

The government and industry are also working closely on the Go Ultra Low campaign to increase consumer and fleet uptake. Seven major vehicle manufacturers and the government are backing Go Ultra Low to highlight the increasing variety and benefits of ULEVs.

Related Content

  • Extended EV charging infrastructure launched
    September 12, 2013
    UK city Corby is aiming to be a leading edge business location, with the launch of an extended electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. To complement the EV charge points already at Corby Station and the Corby Cube, charge points have been installed at a range of venues and businesses including the Holiday Inn, Adrenaline Alley and Corby Town Football Club. Corby now has one of the highest concentrations of charge points per head of population in the UK.
  • Future EV owners can make money from the power grid
    May 17, 2012
    In what is being claimed as a landmark research report published by Ricardo and National Grid in the UK, the market potential is demonstrated for an electric plug-in vehicle fleet of the future to provide balancing services to the power grid on a commercial basis, returning value to vehicle owners while improving the carbon efficiency of grid operation.
  • Yotta: we need EV charging map to drive change
    October 28, 2019
    When it comes to finding the location of EV charging points, we need to be thinking about the needs of ‘smart communities’ as well as smart cities, says Chris Dyer of Yotta
  • Transport integration separates rural idyll from remote isolation
    June 13, 2017
    David Crawford investigates the operation of Total Transport in some of Europe’s more rural areas. Total Transport is a concept that is gaining traction in Europe as a means of making it easier for people without access to a car and living in rural and remote communities, to travel to work, the shops, schools and hospitals. It involves maximising vehicle availability and integrating scheduled services with other transport services (including taxis) commissioned or contracted by more than one local governmen