A wave of charging stations to support the fast-growing popularity of plug-in vehicles, which are ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs), will be installed across the United Kigdom after the government set out £32 million of infrastructure support up to 2020. Homes, hospitals, train stations and A-roads will be some of the locations for further charge points to maintain Britain’s position as a leader in this cutting-edge technology.
The £32 million commitment will include £15 million to continue the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (ULEV drivers will receive a 75% grant of up to £700 towards installation from 13 April 2015); £8 million to support public charging infrastructure across the UK which, alongside £15 million Highways Agency funding announced in Autumn 2014, will deliver charge points on major roads and across towns and cities- bidding for these schemes will open in May 2015; £9 million to address other infrastructure priorities.
Moreover, another £11 million will be provided to 50 organizations, ranging from small businesses to major universities, working together on 15 research and development projects. It includes the development of a zero emission electric bus with hydrogen fuel cell range extender at a fraction of the cost of the current generation of hydrogen buses, and a prototype zero-emission power and cooling system that will dramatically reduce the CO₂ emissions from refrigerated trucks and air-conditioned buses.
“The funding announced today marks another milestone in the government’s support for ultra-low emission vehicles as their popularity takes off,” said Transport Minister Baroness Kramer during a visit to Nissan’s European technical development center in Cranfield, Bedfordshire. “Our support to the ULEV industry will help ensure the innovation that is a hallmark of the British automotive industry and will continue to drive development in this vital growth sector.”
Source: UK Government
