£4 million boost to NHS charge point scheme

The NHS in England is receiving a £4 million boost to roll out hundreds of new electric vehicle (EV) charging sockets, thanks to an extension to the Department for Transport’s NHS Chargepoint Accelerator Scheme.

The extension builds on Government funding supporting the delivery of over 1,000 EV charging sockets to power up electric ambulances and fleets, saving millions on maintenance and fuel costs, which can be invested directly back into frontline care.

This announcement brings total Government investment in NHS charging infrastructure to £22 million, following the Department for Health and Social Care awarding NHS trusts £10 million last month and £8 million awarded from DfT last year. This funding will support the NHS to modernise some of its 20,000 strong fleet of medical vehicles, helping to decarbonise 460 million miles of travel each year.

The savings will be reinvested to deliver on the Government’s goal of a more efficient, modern healthcare system, building on progress made to date.

Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister, Keir Mather, said:

“Backing the switch to electric for our NHS fleet will save our health sector millions and help to clean up 460 million miles worth of journeys across England – that’s good for taxpayers, patients and our communities.

“With over 116,000 public chargers now on UK roads, our investment is transforming the UK’s public charging network so more drivers can make the switch to electric with confidence.”

Matt Adams, Head of Electrical Transport Systems, BEAMA, said:

“This is great news for the NHS, whose drivers will benefit from access to quieter, more comfortable to drive vehicles and dedicated charging infrastructure, making the change as seamless as possible for NHS staff. BEAMA members have installed over half a million charge points to date, and this funding will continue to help deployment numbers rise, and support our critical services function for the community and the environment.”

gov.uk