UK Schools Enhance EV Charging Infrastructure
School teachers and electric vehicle drivers across the UK are benefiting from a significant expansion of EV charging infrastructure. A total of 1,407 charging sockets have been installed at schools and colleges, making it easier for staff and the community to charge their electric vehicles.
Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood confirmed that the initiative, which started in March of the previous year, was supported by £3 million from the Government’s Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS). This funding builds upon the more than 59,000 workplace charging sockets that the WCS has funded since 2016, and a further 6,500 in workplace car parks in 2024.
Schools can also open their chargepoints to local residents and visitors. This approach helps to integrate charging into people’s daily lives and offers schools an additional revenue stream.
“Schools are the beating heart of our towns and communities, and rolling out chargers here shows we are building a practical and reliable charging network designed around people’s daily lives,” said Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood. “Reaching 1,000 sockets at schools is a particularly significant milestone and builds on a record January for electric car sales, as consumer confidence in the electric transition grows every day. This is helping support jobs, make the UK a clean energy superpower and deliver our Plan for Change.”
The Workplace Charging Scheme and the broader Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant have both also been extended for another year, according to government announcements. The investment is part of a wider £2.3 billion commitment to support industry and consumers in the transition to EVs.
Chris Norwood, Headteacher of the Northfleet School for Girls, highlighted the positive impact of the initiative. “Developing an environmentally friendly site is an important part of our school vision and practice. We have been able to play our part in reducing emissions, whilst working with students to educate in creating a more sustainable future,” Norwood said. “Through installing solar panels, LED lighting and car chargers we have been able to save over £500,000 in energy costs (since 2017), funds which are directed back into ensuring the best possible education for our students,” Norwood added. “The car chargers have created over £2000 in additional school funding which has helped to create an additional farm classroom for all students to utilise. We expect that by modelling the best environmental practice possible we are supporting our students to be proactive in this area in their adult lives.”
