How is the UK Government Acting to Revive the EV Industry?
A major new investment package from the UK government is set to tear down one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption, access to affordable, convenient charging, while saving families, businesses and the public sector millions of dollars annually.
Announced on 13 July 2025, the £63m (US$84.8m) initiative will break down barriers to electric vehicle ownership and boost charging infrastructure across the UK, cutting costs for families, businesses and the public sector.
The initiative is part of the government’s broader Plan for Change to drive economic growth, create jobs and deliver net zero goals in a way that works for working people.
Cheaper charging at home
The centrepiece of the investment is a pioneering £25m (US$33.7m) scheme for local authorities designed to make home charging viable for people without driveways.
Thousands of households will gain access to cheaper at-home rates, potentially saving up to £1,500 (US$2,020) per year compared to petrol or diesel costs.
Key to this is cross-pavement technology, which enables EV cables to run safely beneath pavements from home sockets to parked vehicles.
This unlocks access to domestic electricity rates, as low as £0.02 (US$0.03) per mile, for the millions living in terraced housing or flats.
"This is not just a question of how many charge points are installed," explains Jon Evans, Head of UK and IE Market at Monta.
It is about ensuring the right infrastructure is in the right places, backed by the right level of grid capacity and smart management.
"Urban areas, rural regions and national transport corridors all face different challenges. A one-size-fits-all approach will not be enough.”
Public sector push
Public sector fleets are also set to benefit.
A new £8m (US$10.8m) fund will help power the transition of more than 200 NHS sites to electric, saving millions of dollars in maintenance and fuel – vital resources that can now be reinvested into frontline patient care.
"The NHS has already implemented hundreds of projects that reduce emissions and drive significant cost savings, all while improving patient care," comments Chris Gormley, NHS Chief Sustainability Officer.
"This new £8m (US$10.8m) investment, across 62 NHS Trusts and around 224 sites, supports the renewed commitment in the government’s 10 Year Health Plan to deliver a more sustainable NHS while also helping hospitals to save millions on fuel and maintenance costs and reducing air pollution."
Karin Smyth, Health Minister for the UK Government, says: "This is a win-win: cheaper travel for the NHS and cleaner air for our communities.
“As part of our Plan for Change, we’re investing in green energy to build an NHS fit for the future, cutting pollution and saving millions in fuel costs."
Business backing fleets
Businesses will see expanded support to electrify their own fleets through a new grant scheme to install chargepoints at depots nationwide.
This backs the UK’s freight, logistics and coach sectors, employing more than 1.2 million people, in the switch to zero-emission mobility, maintaining Britain’s competitive edge on the global stage.
Signing for public confidence
To increase driver confidence and support longer journeys, the government is rolling out official EV road signage for major charging hubs on strategic routes, a longstanding demand of industry leaders.
"We are pleased that the government has taken the crucial step of delivering official EV charging signage on the strategic road network,” comments Delvin Lane, CEO of InstaVolt.
“Our opinion research suggests that the rollout of clear, official signage will make a significant difference — helping EV drivers easily locate public charging points while on the move."
Ian Johnston, CEO of Osprey, says: "Signage impacts all the UK’s drivers because consumers need to see it to believe it.
“This is a welcome first step and we look forward to continuing to work closely with ministers and officials to achieve clear signage for the hundreds of high-quality EV charging hubs being opened across the nation."
Vicky Read, CEO of ChargeUK, comments: "With 82,000 public charge points already installed across the UK, this positive action on strategic road signage will help more drivers see the extensive charging network that’s rapidly being built across the country.”
“Our members are investing £6bn (US$8.09bn) to ensure the deployment of charging infrastructure stays ahead of demand."
"There are more public chargers than people realise, but they are often hidden in plain sight.” explains Edmund King, President of the AA.
“It is great to see more support for those without off-street parking so that they can also benefit from the EV revolution."
Infrastructure momentum and economic growth
The £63m (US$84.9m) package builds on more than £400m (US$539m) already invested into charging infrastructure, with an expected 100,000 new public chargepoints in the pipeline, backed by £6bn (US$8.09bn) in private investment by 2030.
"We are making it easier and cheaper to own an electric vehicle,” explains Heidi Alexander, Transport Secretary for the UK Government.
“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."
The plan complements other pro-driver measures including a record £1.6bn (US$2.16bn) to fix potholes and a fuel duty freeze until Spring 2026, which together save the average motorist up to £60 (US$81) annually.
“The UK Government’s £63 million investment in EV charging infrastructure is a promising commitment to achieving its EV goals and closing the charging gap," says Antoine Picron, Director of Europe Public Policy at ChargePoint.
"By targeting households without driveways, as well as NHS trusts and fleet depots, this funding will help address key barriers and bring clean transport closer to everyone.
"As demand for EVs surges, charging infrastructure must keep pace.
"With the 2030 Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate fast approaching, this announcement is a step in the right direction, but much bolder action is needed and quickly."
UK leading Europe’s EV charge
The UK remains Europe’s largest EV market and third globally, with more than 382,000 EVs sold in 2024, a 20% year-on-year increase.
The growing range of affordable models, with 40% of used EVs under £20,000 (US$27,000) and 34 new models under £30,000 (US$40,400), means electric mobility is within reach for more households than ever.
"This is what our Plan for Change mission to kickstart Britain’s economy looks like in practice," says Heidi.
"We’re not just boosting charging infrastructure, we’re building a fairer, cleaner future where every family can benefit from cheaper, greener transport, whilst creating thousands of good jobs across the country."
