DfT Unveils EV Infrastructure Support Service to Accelerate Charging Rollout

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The Department for Transport has launched a new Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (EVI) Support Service, set to begin operating by April 2026. Delivered collaboratively by Energy Saving Trust, Cenex, and PA Consulting, this service targets organisations involved in planning and delivering EV charging networks. It expands upon the existing Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund and Electric Vehicle Pavement Charging Grant, extending assistance to a broader range of public sector organisations in England. This includes tailored training, one‑to‑one guidance, and knowledge resources to bolster confidence in deploying charging infrastructure and support the rollout of public charge‑points. Also included is capability funding to recruit over 350 specialist EV infrastructure officers across local authorities by March 2026. The new service underscores an effort to streamline EVI policy deployment and future programme delivery for England’s public charging networks. (DfT announcement on 26 February 2026)

Complementing this development, Openreach has achieved a major milestone with 5,000 electric vans now on the road, under its ‘Let’s Reach Zero’ strategy aiming to convert its entire 23,000‑vehicle fleet to EV. To support its operators, Openreach has installed over 2,500 chargers at operational sites and engineers’ homes, and formed a partnership with First Bus to allow charging access at depots—crucial for addressing infrastructure gaps particularly for those without off‑street parking. (reported 7 months ago)

On the wider public EV charging front, the UK added 8,670 new public charge points in the first half of 2025 a 27% year‑on‑year increase bringing the national total to over 82,000 devices across 40,000 locations. Notably, rapid charging hubs continue to grow, with 136 added and a cumulative national total now at 673.

These developments come as the Road Haulage Association (RHA) warns that decarbonisation of logistics and coach operators is at risk without decisive government action. A survey revealed that 70% of HGV firms and 75% of coach operators have no plans for zero‑emission vehicles. Concerns cited include lack of eHGV range (45%), high upfront cost (38%), and reduced payload capacity (30%). Only 9% are currently operating electric HGVs, and just 12% plan to introduce hydrogen vehicles within five years. The RHA is urging an urgent national plan incorporating financing options, support for low‑carbon fuels, and infrastructure investment to meet the 2035–2040 phase‑out deadlines for diesel vehicles.

What this means:

These announcements signal a decisive shift in transport decarbonisation strategy. The DfT’s EVI Support Service launches a centralised and scalable platform for public sector entities to deliver charging infrastructure, addressing previous fragmentation. The expansion of Openreach’s EV fleet and its charging network demonstrates private sector leadership, reinforcing the importance of tailored infrastructure, particularly for operators and employees without home charging access. Meanwhile, the rapid growth in public charging points  especially hubs strengthens consumer confidence in EV adoption.

However, the RHA’s survey underscores critical challenges in freight and coach sectors where electrification remains nascent. Without targeted government support particularly for heavy vehicles and hydrogen alternatives the sector risks falling behind despite infrastructure progress. The combination of support services, private fleet electrification, and public charging growth must now extend to logistics and haulage, ensuring that vulnerable segments are not left behind.

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