Schools in England will be able to apply for grants to buy and install electric vehicle (EV) chargers, and then sell the energy to motorists.
The Department for Transport has announced that state-funded schools and other learning institutions will have access to a grant providing up to 75 per cent of the cost to install chargers, with funding available for up to £2,500 per socket, up from the previous £350 limit.
The chargers can be used for staff and visitors, but the DfT said it could also help schools generate revenue by making the power outlets available to the public.
The proposals are part of the UK government’s Plan for Drivers, which is seeking to accelerate the rollout of EV chargers as more drivers make the switch from petrol and diesel cars.
To qualify through the Workplace Charging Scheme, schools, colleges and nurseries must have dedicated off-street parking facilities.
Independent schools can apply through the same scheme and the EV infrastructure grant for small and medium enterprises.
Ahead of making the announcement in Nottinghamshire on Monday, transport minister Anthony Browne said: “We are getting on with delivering our Plan for Drivers, and this latest set of measures will mean electric vehicle owners everywhere benefit from easier and more convenient access to charge points.
“This government has already spent over £2 billion to ensure a smooth switch to electric vehicles, and we are committed to supporting drivers as we transition towards net zero in a proportionate way that does not burden working people.”
Department for Education minister Baroness Barran said: “This is an exciting opportunity for schools across England to become part of an ongoing move towards a greener public sector.
“Schools engaging with this grant will be supporting the development of green infrastructure, helping to improve their local environments.
“The expansion of this grant supports our ambition to improve the sustainability of our schools in the ongoing move towards net zero.”
Installing electric vehicle charging outlets
According to DfT figures, more than 53,000 public points have been installed across the UK, with about 770,000 fully battery-electric vehicles on UK roads.
Ministers are considering a number of ways to speed up car charger installation across the country.
One proposal due to be consulted on is to change the rules to allow EV charge point operators the right to carry out street works using a permit rather than a licence.
Permits can be issued faster, taking days to process instead of months, and are significantly cheaper to obtain than licences, the DfT said.
Licences can cost between £500 and £1,000 each, while permits can cost as little as £50 for minor works or £100 for standard works lasting between four and 10 days.
To provide more flexibility to individuals and organisations wanting to install EV charging outlets, the government also intends to consult on removing what it called the two-metre limitation.
If brought forward, this would allow wall-mounted outlets and so-called upstanding chargers to be installed anywhere within an area lawfully used for off-street parking.
The move allowing schools to apply for grants for installation was welcomed by Astrea Academy Trust, with a spokesperson saying that this was an area of interest with regards to its work to reduce its environmental impact.
“We have been looking into the possibility of installing EV chargers in some schools, as more and more people switch from petrol and diesel to electric vehicles, although these plans are currently in the early stages,” they said.
“Additional funding, together with clarity over salary sacrifice in the latest version of the Academy Trust Handbook, will help inform these plans.”
