News analysis


the UK Government has said. The £350 electric vehicle chargepoint grant, which can provide up to 75% off the cost of buying and installing a charger, will be made available to those who own or rent their home and have access to adequate street parking. Applicants will also need to have permission from their local council to install a cross-pavement charging solution. Although applying to drivers looking to charge at home, the announcement could be beneficial to fleets, according to Volkswagen Financial Services Fleet product manager for electric vehicles, David Watts.


He said: “Extending the chargepoint grant to those without access to off-street parking is a significant step forward in making home charging more accessible. “This is great news for fleets who are looking to transition to EVs. After applying for permission from their local authority to install a cross-pavement


10 | April 2024 | www.businesscar.co.uk


Streets ahead D


rivers without access to off-street parking will now be able to access EV chargepoint grant funding,


Fleets could see major benefits from drivers accessing new on-street EV charging grants, it has been said. Sean Keywood reports.


charging solution, drivers who don’t have access to off-street parking will now be able to apply for funding for home chargepoint installations, so they can top-up conveniently and cost- effectively at home.


“This will not only reduce fleet operating costs by decreasing reliance on the public charging network, but it will also reduce the number of times drivers without access to home charging need to stop during the working day to recharge. “The extension of the grant will undoubtedly support fleets’ efforts to incentivise driver adoption of EVs to support business sustainability ambitions.” Allstar Chargepass UK MD Ashley Tate agreed that fleets could benefit from the announcement.


He said: “This is a critical step to removing barriers to adoption for would- be electric vehicle drivers. While there are over 57,000 public chargepoints across the UK, those that don’t have access to a home chargepoint are at a disadvantage, unable to plug in and charge at the end of the day or overnight. For those that live in a flat


or rental property or don’t have access to a driveway in order to instal private charging, this is exacerbated. “It's not just inconvenient for those without access, it’s also more expensive, as our latest report found with drivers potentially spending more than 20 times as much recharging their EV at public charge points compared to the cost of charging from home. Home tariffs can be as low as 4p per kWh, while some public rates exceed £1.


“As such, businesses that operate a fleet can benefit from more drivers recharging at home, improving convenience by having their vehicle with them wherever they are, without any added stress when using a fuel card that avoids awkward pay and reclaim systems. Not only that but spending on the electricity itself is decreased significantly.


“We welcome the grant, and hope that the financial incentives further motivate both the public and businesses to make the switch to EVs.”


The government has also announced the payment of more than £185 million between 44 local councils to install


public chargers, the latest tranche of the £381 million Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure fund. Local authority applications for the latest round of funding will open next month. Transport and Decarbonisation Minister Anthony Browne said: “This dedicated funding to local councils is part of our plan to ensure people can switch from a petrol or diesel car to an EV when they choose to do so.” The government has also announced the launch of an Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Forum, to be chaired by ministers and AA president Edmund King, to discuss how best to tackle barriers and accelerate the delivery of charging infrastructure.


King said: “I’m proud to be co-chairing the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Forum as I’m committed to helping consumers transition to zero-emission vehicles and an efficient, affordable, accessible charging infrastructure is key to that. “I’m also confident that the UK’s brilliant charging and automotive industry can deliver and play a key part in the UK’s net zero ambitions.”


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