The UK’s electric vehicle (EV) journey just got another big boost. A new £63 million government investment aims to make EVs easier to own, charge and maintain, especially for people without driveways and businesses with fleets.
Whether you’re thinking of switching to an electric car, running a fleet, or just want to know how this affects you, here’s what’s happening and why it matters.
What’s the Investment For?
The £63 million package is part of the government’s broader Plan for Change. This is designed to support electric vehicle infrastructure and ownership across the UK.
Charging At Home – Even Without a Driveway
A £25 million scheme will help councils install cross-pavement gullies, clever little channels that let charging cables run safely under the pavement. This means people living in terraced homes or flats with no driveway can plug into cheaper household electricity and charge their EVs overnight. That could save drivers up to £1,500 a year in fuel costs.
Support for the NHS and Public Services
Another £8 million will go towards electrifying NHS fleets, like ambulances and service vehicles, across over 200 NHS sites. This will help the NHS save millions on fuel and maintenance, with more funds going back into patient care.
Help for Businesses and Fleet Owners
A brand new grant scheme is also being launched to support charging infrastructure at business depots, helping companies who run fleets of vans, lorries or coaches make the switch to EVs.
Why It Matters
This is part of a long-term push to make the UK a leader in clean transport. With over 82,000 public chargepoints already available and one added every 30 minutes, the network is growing fast, but access and affordability remain major concerns for many.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander says the investment is not just about infrastructure, but about making EV ownership a real option for everyday families.
Are EVs Really Cheaper?
Electric vehicles can still be pricey up front, with an average new EV in the UK costing about £22,000, nearly double that of a petrol car. But some new models from China are entering the market at around, £18,000, and 2 in 5 used EVs now cost under £20,000.
Government ministers have promised to make buying an EV cheaper, with more announcements expected soon. But critics argue more needs to be done to make EVs truly affordable, especially for working families.
The FSGB Garage Network Is EV-Ready
Another key concern around EV adoption is maintenance and servicing. That’s where Fleet Service GB (FSGB) comes in.
The FSGB Garage Network can handle electric vehicle maintenance, so if you’re a business with a growing fleet, you can get expert support nationwide. This is great news for drivers unsure where to go when something goes wrong, you no longer need to rely on specialist dealers or guesswork.
Charging Confidence – New Signs Are Coming
To tackle range anxiety, the government is also improving road signage for larger EV charging hubs, especially on major A-roads. That means it’ll be easier to spot where to charge up during longer trips, giving drivers more confidence to go electric.
FAQs About Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
What is the £63 million EV infrastructure investment for?
It funds home charging solutions for households without driveways, NHS fleet electrification, and new business depot charging points. Check out the latest Government press release here.
What are cross-pavement gullies?
They’re small cable channels installed under pavements, allowing people to safely charge their EVs at home using their domestic electricity, even without a driveway.
How many public EV chargepoints are in the UK?
There are over 82,000 chargepoints, with more added every day. A further 100,000+ are expected by 2030.
Will EVs get cheaper to buy?
Yes, the government has pledged to make EVs more affordable, though details on grants or subsidies are still to come.
What’s the Plan for Change?
It’s the UK government’s strategy to support the transition to net zero, improve infrastructure, and create green jobs.
FAQs About Fleet Service GB and the FSGB Garage Network
What is the FSGB Garage Network?
It’s a UK-wide network of garages partnered with Fleet Service GB, offering maintenance and servicing, now fully equipped to support electric vehicles.
Does Fleet Service GB support fleet operators?
Yes, FSGB provides fleet management, servicing, maintenance, and driver support for businesses of all sizes, including those transitioning to electric vehicles.
Can FSGB service electric vehicles?
Absolutely. FSGB’s garages are now EV-ready, with trained technicians and the right tools to safely service and maintain electric vehicles.
Final Thoughts
Switching to electric, as an option for supporting a climate friendly future, doesn’t have to be scary or expensive, and with more investment in infrastructure, maintenance, and affordability, it can become more enticing.
Whether you’re a driver without a driveway, a business running a fleet, or just curious about the EV transition, this new funding is a step in the right direction.
Thinking about going electric? Make sure your garage is EV-ready, and check out what Fleet Service GB’s garage network has to offer.
