Government Announces £50million Business Chargepoint Fund
As part of their latest series of ‘levelling up’ announcements, the Government have revealed that small businesses and those in leasehold and rented accommodation are set to benefit from up to £50 million to install electric vehicle chargepoints.
The Department for Transport (DfT) announced that the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) will be opened up to small to medium enterprises (SMEs) and the charity sector.
The scheme aims to provide a boost as staff return to work and reduce range anxiety in rural areas.
This announced comes after the £20 million funding scheme announced last week for councils to improve the on-street charging infrastructure in their local areas.
Consultation
The DfT is also launching a consultation on how to simplify payments and increase reliability in time for 2030 when the sale of new fossil-fuelled vehicles is set to end.
The consultation suggests:
Simplifying Payment
Allowing users to use contactless payment without the use of a mobile app.
Reliability
Increase reliability and to force operators to provide a 24/7 call helpline for drivers.
Availability
The government wants drivers to have greater access to location data, power rating and price information. This is essential for fair competition amongst providers and increasing confidence in potential customers.
Comment
Transport Minister Rachel Maclean said:
“Whether you’re on the school run or travelling to work, or don’t have access to a private parking space, today’s announcement will bring us one step closer to building and operating a public chargepoint network that is affordable, reliable and accessible for all drivers. As the UK accelerates towards net-zero emissions by 2050, we are determined to deliver a world-leading electric vehicle charging network, as we build back greener and support economic growth across the country”.
CEO of Co Charger, Joel Teague, said:
“From a Co Charger point of view, this announcement is particularly welcome because it will put more chargepoints into homes and businesses where they can be shared with their neighbourhoods. Dependable, affordable charging while at home or work is essential for people to make the switch to electric motoring, and by sharing these newly funded chargepoints communities will be able to meet that need”.
Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) National Chair, Mike Cherry, said:
“It’s great to see the Department for Transport putting businesses front and centre as part of the UK’s mission to achieve net-zero by 2050. Small businesses want to play a critical role in helping the UK reach its green targets, and electric vehicles are the future. That’s why this is important news for the nation, particularly rural areas which are often left behind”.
Useful Links
To find out more about our Shell EV Card go to – //www.cambriancards.com/shell-electric-vehicle-card/
Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/workplace-charging-scheme-guidance-for-applicants-installers-and-manufacturers
Official Announcement – https://www.gov.uk/government/news/support-for-small-businesses-landlords-and-leaseholders-government-charges-up-the-electric-vehicle-revolution-with-50-million-boost
Government Announces £50million Business Chargepoint Fund