Up to 75% of installation costs to be covered, with schools able to sell power back to drivers

State-funded schools across England are set to benefit from new government grants to help fund the installation of electric vehicle (EV) chargers, with the added opportunity to sell energy back to motorists. The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced that it will cover up to 75% of the installation cost, offering a maximum of £2,500 per socket, a significant increase from the previous £350 limit.

This initiative is part of the UK Government’s broader Plan for Drivers, which aims to increase the availability of EV chargers as the country shifts towards greener transportation options. The grants are available to schools, colleges, and nurseries that have dedicated off-street parking spaces. Independent schools are also eligible, and can apply through both the Workplace Charging Scheme and the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Grant for small and medium enterprises.

Transport Minister Anthony Browne explained that these measures would provide EV owners with easier and more convenient access to charging points across the country. He highlighted that the government has already invested over £2 billion in promoting the switch to electric vehicles and is committed to making the transition to net-zero both manageable and affordable for drivers.

Baroness Barran, Minister for Education, welcomed the announcement, describing it as an exciting opportunity for schools to support the development of green infrastructure while also improving their local environments. Schools engaging with the grant will play a crucial role in the push for net-zero, she added.

DfT figures show that more than 53,000 public EV charging points are now operational in the UK, and the number of fully electric vehicles on UK roads has reached around 770,000. To further accelerate the rollout of charging points, the DfT is considering proposals such as allowing EV charge point operators to carry out street works using a permit rather than a licence. This change would speed up the process and reduce the associated costs. Additionally, the government is exploring removing the two-metre limitation on EV charger installation, which could provide more flexibility for installing outlets in off-street parking areas.