EV Infrastructure Funding
Local Authorities in England Invited to Apply for LEVI Funding to Boost EV Charging Access
The UK government has opened applications for the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund, targeting local authorities in England to support EV charging infrastructure projects focused on residents lacking off-street parking.
What happened
The UK government has published guidance for local authorities in England on how to apply for the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) funding. This funding stream is designed to support the planning and delivery of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure specifically aimed at residents who do not have access to off-street parking. The LEVI fund is part of the government’s broader strategy to accelerate the rollout of EV charging points, ensuring equitable access across communities and supporting the transition to zero-emission vehicles.
The guidance outlines eligibility criteria, application processes, and expectations for local authorities seeking to secure funding for projects that address the challenges of providing accessible and convenient charging solutions for on-street parking environments. This initiative recognises the particular difficulties faced by residents in urban and suburban areas where off-street parking is limited or non-existent, which can be a significant barrier to EV adoption.
Why this matters for UK EV infrastructure
The LEVI funding represents a targeted approach to overcoming one of the key infrastructure challenges in the UK’s EV transition: enabling charging access for drivers without private parking spaces. As the UK government pushes towards its net zero goals, ensuring that EV charging infrastructure is inclusive and widespread is critical to maintaining momentum in EV uptake.
By focusing on local authorities, the LEVI fund empowers councils to develop tailored solutions that fit the specific needs of their communities. This can include installing on-street chargers, deploying innovative charging technologies, or integrating charging infrastructure with existing urban planning initiatives. The fund’s emphasis on planning and delivery support also encourages strategic, coordinated infrastructure development rather than ad hoc installations.
For the commercial EV infrastructure sector, this funding signals growing opportunities for suppliers, installers, and service providers to engage with local authorities as key customers. It also highlights the importance of understanding local planning frameworks and community needs to successfully participate in funded projects. The LEVI fund could catalyse a wave of new procurement and deployment activity focused on residential on-street charging solutions, an area that has historically been underdeveloped compared to private or commercial charging sites.
Who this affects
Primarily, the LEVI funding affects local authorities across England, which are now invited to apply for financial support to develop EV charging infrastructure projects. These councils will need to assess local demand, identify suitable locations, and manage project delivery in line with government expectations.
Residents without off-street parking stand to benefit directly from the increased availability of accessible charging points, reducing a significant barrier to EV ownership. This is particularly relevant in densely populated urban areas where on-street parking is the norm.
Commercial entities involved in the EV infrastructure supply chain—including manufacturers, installers, and operators of charging equipment—may find new business opportunities arising from LEVI-funded projects. Local authorities will likely engage with commercial partners to procure and maintain charging infrastructure, creating a market for innovative and scalable solutions tailored to on-street environments.
Signals to watch
Stakeholders should monitor the rollout and uptake of LEVI funding applications by local authorities, as early adopters may set precedents for project scope, technology choices, and partnership models. Tracking which councils secure funding and the nature of their proposed projects will provide insight into emerging trends and regional priorities.
Additionally, observing government updates on LEVI funding rounds, allocation criteria, and reporting requirements will be important for companies aiming to align their offerings with public sector needs.
The development of standards and best practices for on-street charging infrastructure, potentially influenced by LEVI-funded projects, will also be a key signal for the industry. This includes technical specifications, user experience considerations, and integration with broader transport and energy systems.
EV Signals perspective
The LEVI funding initiative underscores the critical role local authorities play in shaping the UK’s EV infrastructure landscape. For companies operating in this space, understanding the nuances of local planning and procurement processes is essential. EV Signals’ platforms such as [Planning Application Lead Feed](https://evsignals.co.uk/planning-application-lead-feed) and [Planning Stage EV Leads](https://evsignals.co.uk/planning-stage-ev-leads) can provide valuable intelligence on emerging local projects and planning activities, enabling businesses to identify and engage with opportunities early.
Moreover, the focus on residents without off-street parking highlights a growing market segment that requires innovative charging solutions. Commercial providers should consider how their products and services can meet the unique challenges of on-street charging, including space constraints, power supply logistics, and user accessibility.
As the LEVI fund progresses, it will be important to watch how local authorities balance infrastructure deployment with community engagement and urban planning objectives. This will influence the scalability and sustainability of EV charging networks in residential areas.
Overall, LEVI funding is a significant signal of government commitment to inclusive EV infrastructure development, and it presents a clear call to action for local authorities and commercial stakeholders alike to collaborate in delivering accessible charging solutions.
Sources
- [Apply for Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Funding - GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-local-ev-infrastructure-levi-funding)
Sources