12/11/2025
EV chargepoint networks investment boost
The UK Government has announced a £10 million funding package to support the development of cutting-edge technologies to strengthen England’s electric vehicle (EV) charging network. The scheme is designed to ensure that the UK’s charging infrastructure remains resilient as EV adoption by customers continues to grow (particularly in rural areas) and alleviate against current grid connection challenges.
This announcement follows other investment trends in the EV market, with the Government this year revealing a £650 million grant to subsidise EV purchase prices, a £63 million package to support at-home EV charging and the LEVI Fund providing £343 million capital to local authorities.
This week’s funding is intended to support projects deploying smart energy controls, battery storage, and off-grid solutions to reduce the strain on local electricity networks and ease the need for “expensive grid upgrades at ‘harder-to-power’ locations”.
Connections challenges and solutions within the EV sector
The announcement comes amid a period of major reform within the UK electricity system. The National Energy System Operator (NESO), has recently reported a string of announcements to support its move from a ‘first-come first-serve’ approach to a ‘first-ready first-connected’ approach. Whilst some clarity has been provided by NESO as to the timelines for the role out of its connection reform, there still remains uncertainty for future project connection dates.
Smart-enabled charging hubs, supported by local energy storage, is being encouraged by Government to moderate peak-time stress on distribution networks and reduce the need for immediate grid upgrades for EV chargepoints. By investing in flexibility and smart grid solutions, the funding aims to make EV infrastructure part of the grid solution rather than a source of additional strain.
This funding announcement further echoes the Government's ‘Clean Flexibility Roadmap’ published this year, which promotes an increase in flexibility within the energy market and the use of digital infrastructure to enable a smarter system.
In parallel, interest in micro-grids and off-grid solutions in local energy systems has accelerated. These systems combine local generation (such as solar PV) and battery storage to supply energy independently or semi-independently from the main grid and are being encouraged by the Government in the deployment of EV networks.
Flexibility investment
The UK’s £10 million EV charging package represents more than an investment in transport infrastructure — it encourages the market to invest in more flexible, decentralised, and resilient electricity systems. By reviewing this initiative with ongoing Ofgem and NESO grid reforms, the Government has signalled that EV chargepoints could play a crucial role in balancing supply and demand in a net zero power system.
Companies have until 25 March 2026 to apply for the funding. To be considered for funding, projects must enable at least 12 EVs to access ultra-rapid charging.
How Bevan Brittan can help
This additional funding stream reflects an increasing trend we are seeing on local energy generation and storage schemes that enable projects to circumvent current and anticipated future issues with grid connection. At Bevan Brittan we have a knowledgeable and experienced team of EV specialists lawyers who are well places to guide and strategically advise our clients on the legal issues connected to the funding, procurement and operational delivery of these innovative projects.
To learn more about how we can support you please contact our team or click here.
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