Thirteen Midlands Councils have led a successful bid for £39.3mil to get more chargers onto our streets – including Herefordshire, which will receive £1.124m.
The Midlands has come together to create two partnerships across the region to successfully submit a bid for the Government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) scheme in partnership, alongside with Sub-national Transport Body, Midlands Connect.
Second Midlands EV infrastructure Consortium – Lead by Nottinghamshire County Council, in partnership with Derby City Council, Derbyshire County Council, Nottingham City Council, Staffordshire County Council
Third Midlands EV infrastructure Consortium – Lead by Lincolnshire County Council, in partnership with Herefordshire Council, Leicestershire County Council, Rutland County Council, Shropshire County Council, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Telford and Wrekin Council, Warwickshire County Council
The cash has come from the Government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure scheme. The charge points will be installed between 2025 and 2029.
Cllr Philip Price, Cabinet Member Transport and Infrastructure, said: “It is very exciting to think of the advancements to our electric vehicle infrastructure that will be made thanks to this funding. The more charging points that are available, the easier it will be for our residents, visitors and businesses to make the switch to electric vehicles.
“It is good news for our local economy and environment. The council has pledged to reach carbon net zero by 2030 and improving our EV network is a huge part of that ambition.”
Analysis by Midlands Connect found the Midlands needs 17,461 new public EV charging points by the end of 2025 to meet the needs of the growing EV market and it’s hoped this latest good news around the Government funding will spur on more region-wide installation of charging points.
Estimates suggest the installation and maintenance of electric vehicle charging points will also create an influx of jobs in the region, with over 42,000 related roles set to be created in the Midlands by the end of 2032.
Maria Machancoses, CEO of Midlands Connect, said: “We are delighted our bid to secure over £39mil for 13 councils across the Midlands has been successful. This will really help the region to charge ahead of the pack.”
“This is a vital next step in our efforts to improve electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the region ahead of the ban on the sale of diesel and petrol vehicles in 2030. This funding will improve the lives of those living in the Midlands, particularly for those who do not have access to off-street parking and may struggle to charge their vehicle otherwise.”
Cllr Price concluded: “Further development is still needed to determine how and where this funding will be invested, but residents can get involved by suggesting locations for new EV charge points via our website.”