Public EV charge point provision is the classic chicken and egg dilemma. Greater availability of public charge points helps encourage drivers to switch to EVs. But the returns from power utilisation are not commercially attractive until EV ownership – and charge point – usage is high. Grant funding from Government is therefore central to supporting the provision of the UK’s public EV charging infrastructure, particularly in locations where EV usage is low. We have extensive practical experience in grant funding applications to support new charging infrastructure, with dozens of successful grant applications. Currently there are two significant government funding opportunities for public bodies, designed to cover part of the cost of charger installation.
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Government Funding Opportunities
On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS)
The purpose of the ORCS scheme is to increase the availability of on-street charge points in residential streets where off-street parking is not available, ensuring that on-street parking is not a barrier to realising the benefits of owning an EV.
- Fund up to 60% of the cost of installation of on-street EV charge point infrastructure for residential needs
- OZEV have allocated £20 million of funding in 2022 to 2023 for the scheme
- Funding is for up to 60% of the eligible capital costs
Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI)
The LEVI is intended to encourage large scale, ambitious and commercially sustainable projects that leverage significant private sector investment. The intention is to support a transition towards a commercial model without public funding.
OZEV are particularly interested in funding projects where there is scaled commercial innovation, such as new business models where multiple local authorities work together, or new charging technology. They recognise that charging infrastructure is fundamental to decarbonising road transport.
The scheme is being piloted currently, with the intention that in the future, OZEV will introduce a new £450 million LEVI fund for local authorities to support local EV infrastructure delivery. This is due to be launched in 2023 after the current pilot scheme has been completed.