Funding for Public Sector Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (EVCI) Programmes

We are able to provide a unique 3^rd party finance offering for public bodies looking to install charge points off balance sheet.  Our private sector funding partner is a leading supplier of wind-generated electricity to the UK. Ideal car park locations for EVCI for private sector finance are those that have more than 20 parking bays and high usage, are not located close to other (i.e. competing) EVCI, and can be enforced to ensure that only charging vehicles occupy the bays. EVCI deployed on-street and elsewhere can also be considered for funding.

The advantage of 3^rd party finance is that there can be zero capital cost to you for the installation of electric vehicle charge points.  The investor re-coups their initial investment over time by charging EV drivers for the use of the charge points.  The investor also takes the risk on the project, which is important as predicting charge point usage into the future is an uncertain game.  The upsides of the project can be shared between the council and the investor.

A feasibility study will allow you to assess your portfolio of sites and see which sites would be eligible for 3^rd party finance.

Test Valley Borough Council were one of the first to install a fully-funded charge point programme with us.  Here’s how they did it, from early uncertainties through to an operational public EV infrastructure programme – all without spending a penny.

Summary

Charge points:  For public fast chargers where usage is predicted to be high

Coverage: Nationwide

The DEFRA Air Quality grant programme provides a range of smaller grants to public sector bodies for improving local air quality.  It has disbursed more than £52 million to a variety of projects since it started in 1997.  Because this is focussed on air quality issues (NOx, particulates), it supports a wide range of initiatives such as establishing low emission zones, retrofitting fleets with low emissions technologies, traffic measures, and education and outreach programmes.

However, the scheme has also funded electric vehicle chargepoint infrastructure, such as those in East Hertfordshire (163k).

Summary

Charge points: Any

Coverage: Open to public bodies nationwide

The Go Ultra Low Cities Scheme (GULCS) is a joint government and car industry initiative that awarded £40m of funding to 4 cities nationwide (London, Nottingham, Bristol and Milton Keynes), with further smaller projects in for specific initiatives in Dundee, Oxford, York and the North East region.  The scheme is directed at authorities that have the capacity to encourage thousands of people to consider switching to an electric car.

As a more holistic view of encouraging EV adoption, measures include the adoption of Low Emission neighbourhoods, and the creation of EV Experience centres.  However, much of the funding has been directed towards direct funding of electric vehicle chargepoint infrastructure.

Summary

Charge points: Any

Coverage:  London, Nottingham Bristol, Milton Keynes, Dundee, Oxford, York and the North East region.  However, there may be further funding rounds coming soon

The Clean Air Fund is a £255m initiative aimed at improving air quality in some areas with the highest levels of air pollution.  A total of £40m of funds has been set aside to assist the 28 local authorities with the most pressing problems with local air pollution.

Once again this is a NOx and particulates reduction initiative, supporting a range of schemes including air quality plans, junction improvements, bus priority measures and feasibility studies.  However, many councils are also using some of the funds to directly support the deployment of EV chargepoint infrastructure.

Summary

Charge points: Any

Coverage: 28 local authorities with the most pressing problems with local air pollution.

Public authorities are expected to produce Local Transport Plans, addressing transport needs, accessibility, carbon emissions and pollution.  The transition to an electrified transport future is likely to be applicable across multiple themes within Local Transport Plans, but emissions and local air quality in particular.  Funds are available for both developing the plans and implementation.

Summary

Charge points: Any

Coverage: Nationwide

London Boroughs are required to develop Local Implementation Plans (LIPs) to set out how they will implement the Mayors transport plans at a local level.  LIP funding is the mechanism by which this implementation is funded by TfL.

With EVCP infrastructure looking essential across a number of LIP priority areas, the LIP funding could be partially used to fund local EVCP provision.

Summary

Charge points: Any

Coverage: London Boroughs

The On-street Residential Charging Point Scheme is available to local authorities and provides grants covering up to 75% of the capital and installation costs to a maximum of £7,500 per unit of electric vehicle charging hardware installed on-street or in car parks in areas where there is no off-street parking.  Guidance about the scheme can be accessed here.

Summary

Charge points: Lamppost, street furniture and some car parks

Coverage: Open to public bodies nationwide

The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) is applicable to EVCI installed for staff or fleet vehicles. It funds 75% of the capital and installation costs, up to a maximum of £350, for each socket installed, up to a maximum of 20 across all sites for each institution.

Whilst this scheme is primarily targeted at businesses, local authorities can access this fund themselves to access grants for their own staff parking requirements and fleet car charging.

Summary

Charge points: Suited for fast chargers

Coverage: Open to any workplace, including public bodies for their own fleets.