New funding can support electrification of fleets

A new government grant to support the installation of charge points could help more fleets switch to electric vehicles.

According to David Watts, fleet product manager for EVs at Volkswagen Financial Services (VWFS Fleet), the grant will make home charging more accessible.

The £381m Local Electric Vehicle (LEVI) fund targets EV drivers without driveways by providing up to 75% of the cost of installing a cross-pavement charge point.

Technology and Decarbonisation Minister Anthony Browne, said: “This government has a plan to help speed up the installation of EV chargepoints, which we’re getting on and delivering. 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.”

Watts added: “Typically, EVs have been more attractive to those with the ability to charge at home, who can take advantage of the cost-effective rates offered by off-peak electricity tariffs. However, the decision to extend the grant will now see home charging made possible for thousands more drivers.

“This is great news for fleets who are looking to transition to EVs.

“After applying for permission from their local authority to install a cross-pavement charging solution, drivers who don’t have access to off-street parking will now be able to apply for funding for home chargepoint installations, so they can top up conveniently and cost-effectively at home.

“This will not only reduce fleet operating costs by decreasing reliance on the public charging network, but it will also reduce the number of times drivers without access to home charging need to stop during the working day to recharge. The extension of the grant will undoubtedly support fleets efforts to incentivise driver adoption of EVs to support business sustainability ambitions.”