The funding may double the number of on-street chargepoints supported by the government to nearly 8,000. Credit: Crown copyright.

The Government of the UK has announced a new investment of £20m to increase the number of electric vehicle chargepoints in the country.

The move comes as the government steps up efforts to accelerate the transition towards greener transport and zero-emission vehicles.

The new funding will be made available through the On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS) and can be used by local councils to strengthen their on-street electric vehicle chargepoint networks.

Since its launch in 2017, ORCS has helped more than 140 local authority projects, supporting applications for nearly 4,000 chargepoints. With the new investment, the government aims to double this number to 8,000.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “From Cumbria to Cornwall, drivers across the country should benefit from the electric vehicle revolution we’re seeing right now.

“With a world-leading charging network, we’re making it easier for more people to switch to electric vehicles, creating healthier neighbourhoods and cleaning up our air as we build back greener.”

Energy Saving Trust (EST) is administering the ORCS scheme on behalf of Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV).

EST senior programme manager Nick Harvey said: “The confirmation of £20m of funding for the ORCS in 2021/22 is great news. This funding will allow local authorities to install convenient and cost-effective electric vehicle charging infrastructure for those who rely on on-street parking.

“This helps to support the fair transition to the increased adoption of low carbon transport.”

In November, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced plans to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars in the country by 2030 as part of a larger programme to support green industrial revolution.