Thousands of new public electric vehicle chargers could appear across the UK thanks to a huge financial boost, which has been described as "crucial".
Thirteen local authorities across the Midlands have secured £40.8 million in government funding to install electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
The investment will deliver more than 16,000 charge point sockets across the region and will include specific targeting of areas with limited off-street parking.
The thirteen participating authorities include Derby City, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, Herefordshire, Nottingham City, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Telford and Wrekin, Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Leicestershire and Rutland.
Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailingmotoring@gbnews.uk
The funding will help with the delivery of 16,000 chargers across the Midlands
PA/GETTY
The funding comes from the Government's Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund after the bid was submitted in 2024.
Research from Midlands Connect suggests almost 31 per cent of Midlands residents do not have access to off-street parking.
Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood said: "Making charging as seamless and as easy as possible is a crucial to making the switch to electric a success, and rolling out over 16,000 chargers across the Midlands will make driving an EV cheaper and easier, especially for those without a driveway.
"Electric vehicles will power growth, cut emissions and improve lives in the Midlands and beyond, as we continue to deliver our Plan for Change."
The new charging infrastructure aims to make it easier for these residents to transition to electric vehicles and increase the ease of travel for all EV users throughout the region.
The project has a five-year delivery timeline to install all the planned charging points across the partnership area.
Councillor Marc Bayliss, Worcestershire County Council's Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: "I'm pleased that Worcestershire, alongside other local authorities, has been successful in this bid for significant funding towards boosting electric vehicle infrastructure.
"It's hoped that installing more public chargepoints, will not only support those who already have an electric vehicle, but also encourage others to make the move towards purchasing one."
Maria Machancoses, CEO of Midlands Connect, said the organisation was delighted with the funding and the increased collaboration between local authorities.
She said the significant funding boost for electric vehicle chargers will play a key role across the Midlands.
Machancoses added: "This is a great step in moving towards a reliable electric vehicle charging infrastructure network across the Midlands, which will become increasingly important as we move closer to the 2035 ban of diesel and petrol vehicles.
"We will continue to work with local authorities to accelerate the roll-out of electric vehicle infrastructure across the Midlands."
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Almost one-third of drivers across the Midlands do not have access to off-street parking
PALocal authorities with the most funding for public electric vehicle chargers
Derby - £1.758million
Derbyshire - £6.604million
Nottingham - £1.704million
Nottinghamshire - £5.552million
Staffordshire - £4.588million
Lincolnshire - £5.620million
Herefordshire - £1.124million
Stoke-on-Trent - £2.693million
Telford and Wrekin - £1.020million
Leicestershire - £3.151million
Rutland - £257,000
Warwickshire - £3.295million
Worcestershire - £3.481million
