Southern region witnesses installation of over 16,000 new electric vehicle charging stations
The UK Department for Transport (DfT) has announced a significant step towards a greener future with plans to install over 16,000 new electric vehicle (EV) chargers across the Midlands. This rollout, expected to be supported by additional funding of £200m in the 2024 Budget, is set to make driving an EV cheaper and easier, particularly for those without a driveway.
Lilian Greenwood, the Future of Roads Minister, emphasised the importance of making EV charging as seamless and easy as possible for a successful switch to electric vehicles. This initiative aligns with the UK government's commitment to fostering a nationwide EV charging network, a commitment that remains unchanged.
The investment of more than £40m in government funding will be distributed among 13 local authorities across the Midlands. The exact municipalities have not been specified, but the funds come from the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund.
Midlands Connect, a transport body for the region, is also involved in this project. This development is part of a broader effort to surpass the current number of public EV chargepoints in the UK, which stands at over 75,000. As of the current date, there are over 10,000 public EV chargers available in the Midlands region.
The rollout of these chargers is expected to be recognised at the fourth annual CiTTi Awards, an unmissable event for the UK's transportation sector. The awards, scheduled for 25 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London, will recognise achievements and innovations in EV charging infrastructure.
The UK government has also secured £6bn of private investment in the EV charging network pipeline. In 2024, 382,000 electric vehicles (EVs) were sold, marking a 20% increase from the previous year. This growth in EV adoption underscores the need for a robust and extensive charging network.
For more information about the CiTTi Awards, visit www.cittiawards.co.uk. The UK government's commitment to a greener future is evident in this ambitious project, and it continues to pave the way for a nationwide EV charging network.
