Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has announced that several local authorities across England can apply for the first round of the Government’s £343 million Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Capital Fund, with the West Midlands Combined Authority among the authorities eligible to apply this year.
The LEVI fund will ensure the transition to electric vehicles takes place in every part of the country by supporting tens of thousands of local charge points, especially for those without access to off-street parking.
The announcement comes on the same day that it was announced that a new electric vehicle charging hub at Birmingham NEC – which is big enough to charge 180 cars simultaneously – is set to open.
Local authorities will receive LEVI funding in two groups, with the first able to apply for their allocated funding from today, to be distributed this financial year. The second group can apply for their funding next financial year.
Last year Transport + Energy reported that nine local authorities had been awarded a share of £10 million funding through the Local EV Infrastructure (LEVI) pilot scheme, which will support the roll-out of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in England.
The £450 million Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure [LEVI] Fund, which was announced as part of the Government’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy earlier this year, will boost projects such as EV hubs and innovative on-street charging, so those without driveways don’t miss out on cleaner transport.
This year’s Transport + Energy Forum includes a panel session on the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund which features participating councils, enabling local authorities to discover how to bid and learn from others who have obtained the funding. Qualifiying representatives from local authorities can apply for a fully funded place via the event website. The offer includes conference admission, accommodation and an evening celebratory/networking dinner, with day options also available.
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