£15m Funding Secured for Electric Vehicle Charging in West Midlands

Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) has just received a substantial £15.7 million boost to its ambitious plans of installing up to 12,000 electric vehicle chargers across the region within the next five years.

This much-needed funding is part of a dedicated cash pot exceeding £185 million, which has been made available for local authorities to facilitate the rapid deployment of electric vehicle (EV) charge points. This initiative is being carried forward through the Department for Transport’s comprehensive £381 million Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund.

When combined with the funding already allocated by TfWM, a total of £55 million is now accessible for the region. This significant amount will be utilised to attract substantial private sector investment, ultimately accelerating the rollout of charging infrastructure in West Midlands.

TfWM, an integral part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), is collaborating with councils, private sector suppliers, and utility firms to develop a comprehensive programme. This programme aims to implement a wide range of infrastructure, ranging from a series of nine larger ultra-rapid charging transit stations to thousands of smaller roadside low-power chargers.

In addition to offering funding to local authorities, the Department for Transport has also announced additional financial support for homeowners or renters lacking off-street parking. This assistance is intended to aid in the installation of on-street charging points, ensuring a more accessible and widespread infrastructure for EV users.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the WMCA, stated: “We welcome this new £15 million investment from the Department for Transport, as it will play a crucial role in ushering in a revolution in vehicle charging infrastructure. From smaller roadside chargers to faster charging hubs, this funding, coupled with our existing resources and private sector investments, will allow us to deploy up to 12,000 electric vehicle chargers across our region, focusing on areas where they are most needed.”

Technology and Decarbonisation Minister, Anthony Browne, commented: “This dedicated funding allocated to local councils is a key element of our strategy to ensure individuals can seamlessly transition from petrol or diesel cars to electric vehicles when they opt to do so.”

Cllr Mike Bird, WMCA portfolio lead for transport and leader of Walsall Council, remarked: “As a region, West Midlands is leading the charge towards low and zero-emission transport. Whether it is investing in hundreds of electric buses, pioneering battery-powered trams, or electrifying our rail fleet, our commitment is unwavering. Now, thanks to this latest funding injection, we are specifically targeting private vehicle owners to make it simpler for them to switch from polluting cars or vans, thereby contributing to the enhancement of air quality in our towns and cities.”