Local Authorities Granted LEVI Funding to Boost Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

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In a decisive move towards a greener future, the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) has approved the allocation of Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) funding to several local authorities across the UK. This funding, totalling an impressive £14.2 million, marks a significant step in the nation's commitment to decarbonising transportation and promoting the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs).

Launched in March 2023, the LEVI fund, amounting to £381 million, stands as a cornerstone of the UK's strategy to combat climate change. With the ambitious target of ensuring that all new cars and vans sold in Great Britain are zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) by 2035, the LEVI Fund plays a crucial role in assisting local authorities to enhance public EV charging infrastructure, particularly for residents lacking off-street parking options.

The local authorities selected to receive a portion of the LEVI funding include Bedford, East Sussex, North Yorkshire, and the London Boroughs of Hackney and Hounslow. These regions are poised to witness a substantial boost in their EV charging capabilities, thanks to the capital chargepoint funding they've been granted.

Under the guidance of the Department for Transport (DfT) and the LEVI Support Body, comprised of the Energy Saving Trust, PA Consulting, and Cenex, successful local authorities will receive ongoing support and direction to ensure the efficient utilisation of the allocated funds. Further announcements regarding additional recipients of LEVI funding for the current financial year are anticipated in the coming months, promising even more progress in the electrification of transportation.

Hugh Pickerill, the programme manager for EV grants and infrastructure at Energy Saving Trust, expressed satisfaction with the allocation of funding, highlighting the potential of these projects to significantly expand the EV charging network across England. He emphasised the pivotal role of this funding in accelerating the uptake of electric vehicles, ultimately leading to improved air quality nationwide by reducing emissions.

Dr. Sagar Mody, a technical consultant for infrastructure strategy at Cenex, echoed this sentiment, describing the approval of LEVI funding as a crucial milestone towards achieving universal access to charging infrastructure across England. He emphasised the strategic approach of the fund, which empowers public authorities to commission thousands of chargepoints in their respective areas, thus contributing to better air quality and environmental sustainability.

In addition to the financial support provided through LEVI funding, nearly 100 dedicated EV officers have been recruited to aid local authorities in the procurement of chargepoints and the implementation of charging projects. These officers, equipped with specialised training, will play a vital role in building a skilled workforce capable of driving the transition towards electric mobility.

As part of the LEVI initiative, an Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (EVI) training course is currently undergoing trials, with a full launch scheduled for March 2024. This comprehensive course aims to equip local authority officers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively plan, procure, deploy, and manage EV charging infrastructure in their respective areas. Covering essential topics such as EV technology, stakeholder engagement, procurement strategies, and operational considerations, the course is designed to empower local authorities to navigate the complexities of EV infrastructure development successfully.

For more information on the acceleration of public EV chargepoints and the LEVI initiative, interested parties are encouraged to visit the GOV.UK website, where updates and resources are readily available to support the transition to electric mobility and a sustainable future for all.

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