Delivering the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund requires more than investment, as National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) and Believ explain.
LEVI is about delivery at scale. National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), the distribution network operator for the Midlands, the South West, and South Wales and charge point operator (CPO) Believ’s experience shows how early collaboration can make the process work smoothly and efficiently, avoiding unnecessary delays. This is critical for the rollout of infrastructure of this scale – reducing inefficiencies over thousands of connections adds up to significant time savings and reduced resource investment.
With more than two million EVs on UK roads, Electric vehicle (EV) uptake is accelerating. The roll out of the Local EV Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund is our most powerful tool in ensuring that the 35-40% of households that do not have access to driveways have access to charging and are not left behind in the transition to EVs.
LEVI is a project which, if it meets its goals, will facilitate the transition to EVs for millions of drivers across England.
A new, bespoke connections journey
The challenge now is turning ambition into delivery.
In NGED’s area alone, LEVI will involve thousands of network connections across more than 30 local authorities, delivered by multiple partners to demanding timescales. This requires a level of coordination the traditional connections process was never designed to handle.
It was clear that without change the old model risked slowing delivery and creating friction across the value chain.
A different approach was needed, so NGED set out to explore options through a series of industry forums, dedicated webinars and workshops, involving national and local government, individual charge point operators (CPOs) and their trade association ChargeUK.
Designing for delivery reality
For CPOs such as Believ, this collaboration is important because it creates confidence that the process reflects the realities of delivery on the ground, rather than assumptions made in a meeting room.
Part of the challenge is that LEVI is unlike anything the sector has delivered before. Local authorities and CPOs are rightly ambitious about the pace and scale of rollout, spanning multiple regions, delivery partners and network areas.
Success depends on making thousands of individual decisions quickly and confidently. Processes that work for one-off connections are not always suited to a programme of this scale. Creating a model that reflects the realities of delivery from the outset gives relevant stakeholders greater confidence of timely delivery.
From individual applications to coordinated programmes
The result is a move away from individual, transactional connection applications towards a collaborative, structured process for programmes of on-street EV work.
CPOs start the process, using online tools to gain an indication of network readiness at each potential EV charging site.
All parties then come together for an in-person programme review, where the network operator shares expert local knowledge to inform better site selection and agree a schedule for connection applications.
With a plan in place, the CPO initiates connection applications, following a timeline that synchronises with its delivery objectives. The process so far has shown that this only works when all parties pull in the same direction.
One process, one point of contact
Underpinning the process is a single distribution network point of contact for each local authority area. This ensures consistent and streamlined communications for CPOs and their delivery partners.
CPOs are also adapting their operations to the new model. Alignment with delivery partners, including independent connection providers, is essential to ensure the process is followed consistently.
Faster, more predictable delivery
Where that collaboration is in place, the benefits are already being seen, and they extend beyond the organisations directly involved in delivery. Better coordination means local authorities can progress programmes with greater confidence, and investment can be directed towards sites with the strongest chance of success. Every avoidable delay removed from the process helps accelerate the wider transition to EVs.
In short, this new, more structured process means delivery becomes more predictable, site selection is stronger, and outcomes improve for all parties. Early adoption shows that using our process can reduce wasted connections applications by over 80% compared to business as usual.
Giving LEVI a stronger foundation
For CPOs, that means less time pursuing schemes that are unlikely to progress, and more time focused on getting chargers into the ground. The need for a more coordinated approach is reflected in Believ’s Local Authority Insight Report 2026. Of the 42% of local authorities that said logistical difficulties and delivery challenges were slowing their rollouts, 71% identified inadequate local power grid infrastructure as the key reason. Nearly a third, 29%, had experienced grid and charger connection delays of more than six months.
These findings underline why the connections process is critical to the success of LEVI. Faster, more efficient connections can remove practical barriers, support growing demand and help local authorities deliver the infrastructure communities need.
This is a positive step in supporting the energy transition. Accelerating the rollout of charging infrastructure is essential to give people the confidence to switch to electric vehicles and help enable the wider shift to a cleaner, lower-carbon future.
LEVI is a major opportunity, but success is not guaranteed. Our experience shows that this new approach works, with the potential for replication at national level.
Now is the time to ensure that LEVI delivery starts on a strong footing.
Authors: Will Aitchison, Transport Decarbonisation Manager, National Grid Electricity Distribution, and Shaun Quirk, Believ Chief Operating Officer.
