Welsh Government to invest £15m to increase EV charging
The Welsh Government has announced increased funding to increase electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the country.
£15 million in funding has been confirmed by Deputy Climate Change Minister Lee Waters to help local authorities across Wales to increase the number of charging facilities ahead of new fossil fuel vehicles being phased out in 2030.
The funding announcement follows £26m already invested in charging infrastructure across Wales since 2021, which enabled the installation of more than 1,600 charging points.
In total, Wales currently has over 1,800 charging devices mapped on Zapmap, of which more than 360 are rapid charging points.
“Drivers need to have the confidence to make the switch to electric vehicles as demand increases and that’s why we are committed to creating high quality electric vehicle infrastructure across Wales,” said Lee Waters, Deputy Minister for Climate Change.
“Most of this work will be delivered by the private sector but our role is to facilitate private sector investments across Wales and ensure equality of access.
“To help with this, we have created a private sector taskforce which will engage with the market, break down any barriers to investment and accelerate the rollout of charging infrastructure.
“The funding announced today is another step in the right direction but we have further to go – we will continue to work with local authorities and the private sector so that Wales keeps up with the rapid increase in the number of electric vehicles.”
The announcement builds upon the existing Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV) fund, which has successfully initiated numerous electric vehicle (EV) projects. It aligns with the Welsh Government’s objective of achieving charging infrastructure every 20 miles along the strategic trunk network throughout Wales by 2025.
Wrexham Council has received £1.86 million over two years to roll out EV charge points at a charging hub in the city centre as well as sites in remote, more rural locations across the county.
“We are pleased to receive this funding which will enable us to continue our work to help people to move to Electric Vehicles through both the creation of a mobility hub in the city centre and also supporting some of our smaller and more rural communities with facilities to charge EVs where they may not have access to off road parking,” said Cllr David A Bithell, Deputy Leader and Climate Champion at Wrexham Council.
“As part of this project we are also looking to add some increased provision to support active travel and nature.
“We are keen to make a start on this important step on the road to lower carbon transport for Wrexham.”
£900,000 has been granted to Cardiff Council for the next two years to roll out more EV charging in the region and provide rapid charging infrastructure at Lamby Way depot for twelve electric Refuse Collection Vehicles, as part of Cardiff Council’s fleet of 78 Refuse Collection Vehicles.
