Government invests £65m to expand EV charging network

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced a £65 million investment to enhance the UK’s electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, aiming to accelerate the transition to zero-emission transport. A key priority of her recent speech was improving on-street charging accessibility to support EV adoption.

The funding will be directed to EV charging provider Connected Kerb, with the investment structured through the National Wealth Fund (NWF) and Aviva Investors. The NWF will contribute £55 million in exchange for a 10% equity stake, while Aviva Investors will add £10 million.

Juliet Davenport, Connected Kerb Chair, said: “We are incredibly proud to receive this substantial investment from the National Wealth Fund and Aviva Investors.

“This funding will enable us to significantly expand our EV charging network, making electric vehicle charging accessible to everyone, especially those without driveways. This investment not only supports our growth but also aligns with our commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting flexibly clean energy solutions across the UK.”

A shortage of on-street charging remains a major hurdle for EV uptake, particularly as a third of households in England lack off-street parking and must rely on public chargers. With charging infrastructure unevenly distributed across the country, the government hopes this investment will address disparities and encourage more drivers to switch to electric vehicles.

Labour has reaffirmed its pledge to ban new petrol and diesel car sales by 2030. The party’s pre-election manifesto included commitments to expanding EV chargepoint installation, reallocating the £950 million Rapid Charging Fund, and removing planning obstacles to speed up deployment.

Additionally, the Autumn Budget saw a further £200 million allocated for public charging between 2025 and 2026, with funds designated for local authorities to develop on-street charging projects across England.