State-funded schools and learning institutions in England will have access to a grant allowing them to purchase and install electric vehicle (EV) chargers. The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced that the grant will cover up to 75% of the installation cost, with funding available for up to £2,500 per socket, a significant increase from the previous £350 limit.
The chargers can be used by staff and visitors, and the DfT has also highlighted the potential for schools to generate revenue by making the power outlets available to the public. This initiative is part of the UK Government’s Plan for Drivers, which aims to accelerate the rollout of EV chargers in response to the increasing number of drivers switching from petrol and diesel cars.
Qualification and Funding Details
To qualify for the grant through the Workplace Charging Scheme, schools, colleges, and nurseries must have dedicated off-street parking facilities. Independent schools can also apply for funding through the same scheme, as well as the electric vehicle infrastructure grant for small and medium enterprises.
Government’s Commitment to Supporting EV Transition
Transport Minister Anthony Browne stated, “This Government has already spent over £2 billion to ensure a smooth switch to electric vehicles, and we are committed to supporting drivers as we transition towards net zero in a proportionate way that doesn’t burden working people.” Baroness Barran, a minister in the Department for Education, added, “The expansion of this grant supports our ambition to improve the sustainability of our schools in the ongoing move towards net zero.”
Plans for Increasing Charger Installation
The UK Government is exploring various methods to expedite the installation of car chargers nationwide. One proposal being considered is changing the rules to allow EV charge point operators to carry out street works using permits instead of licenses. Permits can be issued faster, taking days instead of months to process, and are significantly cheaper than licenses, which can cost between £500 and £1,000 each. Additionally, the government intends to consult on removing the two-meter limitation currently in place, allowing for the installation of wall-mounted outlets and upstanding chargers anywhere within an area designated for off-street parking.
Currently, more than 53,000 public charging points have been installed across the UK, with approximately 770,000 fully battery-electric vehicles on the roads. By providing grants to schools, the government aims to further expand the availability of EV chargers and contribute to a greener future.
