The government has announced extra funding for the home-charging of electric vehicles, including money to enable greater use of cross-pavement technologies and devices that allow cables to run beneath pavements, so connecting homes directly to parked vehicles.
This is despite the fact the expansion of this type of cabling on our streets is causing serious concerns to local authority lighting professionals.
The Department for Transport (DfT) has said it will establish a £25m scheme for local authorities to expand access to cheaper at-home charging.
This will provide access to cheaper household rates, allowing consumers to save up to £1,500 a year compared to running a petrol or diesel car, transforming how thousands of households without driveways power-up their electric cars, the DfT argued.
The move is part of a £63m package that will also include the modernising of EV charging signage on major roads.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “We are making it easier and cheaper to own an electric vehicle. We know access to charging is a barrier for people thinking of making the switch, so we are tackling that head on so that everyone – whether or not they have a driveway – can access the benefits of going electric.
“Our investment is about more than just charging points – it’s about charging up Britain’s economy. I’m proud that through this boost, we are helping deliver cheaper bills for families, massive savings for the NHS to reinvest in patient care, and thousands of new green jobs,” she added.
- The September edition of Lighting Journal will have a special focus on EV charging, including an investigation into the profession’s growing concerns around electrical safety and the spread, in particular, of residential home-charging.
Image: Department for Transport
