Midlands councils awarded £39M from LEVI to increase EV charge points across the region

Almost £40 million is to be distributed between 13 Midlands councils, which have created two partnerships, to set up electric vehicle charging points. The region will need around 17,500 new charging points by the end of 2025 to meet the growing electric vehicle market, according to transport body Midlands Connect.

Maria Machancoses, chief executive of Midlands Connect, said: “This is a vital next step in our efforts to improve electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the region ahead of the phase-out of sales of new diesel and petrol cars and vans by 2030. This funding will improve the lives of those living in the Midlands, particularly for those who do not have access to off-street parking and may struggle to charge their vehicle otherwise.”

The two partnerships created between all Midlands councils to work on the project encompass:

• Nottinghamshire County Council, Derby City Council, Derbyshire County Council, Nottingham City Council and Staffordshire County Council as the first and
• Lincolnshire County Council, Herefordshire County Council, Leicestershire County Council, Rutland County Council, Shropshire Council, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Telford and Wrekin Council, Warwickshire County Council as the second.

The authorities bid for the money as a “vital step” from the government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund to improve regional infrastructure.