The Midlands is set to receive over 16,000 new electric vehicle (EV) chargers thanks to a £40.8 million government investment announced today.

Thirteen local authorities across the region, supported by Midlands Connect, have secured funding from the Local EV Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund to expand charging infrastructure throughout cities, towns and rural areas.

Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood said: "Making charging as seamless and as easy as possible is crucial to making the switch to electric a success and rolling out over 16,000 chargers across the Midlands will make driving an EV cheaper and easier, especially for those without a driveway."

The initiative aims to boost charging access for drivers without private driveways, helping more people transition to electric vehicles. Currently, the Midlands already has over 10,000 public chargers available.

This funding is part of a broader £2.3 billion government commitment to support industry and consumers switching to EVs, which the Department for Transport says will create jobs and help make the UK a "clean energy superpower."

Maria Machancoses, CEO of Midlands Connect, welcomed the funding and said: "This is a great step in moving towards a reliable electric vehicle charging infrastructure network across the Midlands, which will become increasingly important as we move closer to the 2035 ban on diesel and petrol vehicles."

Nationally, the UK's public chargepoint network continues to grow with over 74,000 public chargers now available and nearly 20,000 added in 2023 alone.

Councillor Marc Bayliss from Worcestershire County Council added: "It's hoped, that installing more public charge points, will not only support those who already have an electric vehicle, but also encourage others to make the move towards purchasing one."

The announcement follows recent government funding for zero-emission vans, taxis and electric motorcycles, as well as chargepoint installations at schools and workplaces across the country.