UK Government Unleashes Nearly £400m to Supercharge Electric Vehicles and Green Aviation Fuel
The UK is turbocharging its green transport revolution with a hefty £400 million boost. The government announced major moves to ramp up electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure and kickstart sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production — aiming for a cleaner, net zero future.
£381m Fund to Flood England with EV Charging Points
- A £381 million Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund launches to install tens of thousands of new EV chargers across England.
- An extra £15 million top-up goes to the On-Street Residential Charging Scheme (ORCS) to boost charging access for flat-dwellers and street parkers.
- Aims to support growing demand from EV drivers and entice more to switch from petrol and diesel.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “Transport is key to hitting net zero by 2050. We must speed up the shift to clean travel while growing green jobs. Today’s announcements expand charging networks and boost cleaner aviation fuels, giving people more ways to stay connected with lower emissions.”
World-First Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate to Shake Up Car Market
- UK sets tough new annual targets from 2024 mandating minimum shares of new cars and vans sold to be zero emission.
- The fastest zero emission vehicle roadmap in Europe, supporting the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel sales.
- A flexible credits-trading system lets manufacturers bank or trade credits — but missing targets could cost £18,000 per vehicle.
This bold mandate applies UK-wide, including Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It’s the biggest carbon saver in the government’s Net Zero Strategy and sets the stage for a booming EV market with cheaper second-hand electric cars and plummeting running costs.
Technology Minister Jesse Norman said: “We’re backing EVs like never before — investing in charging infrastructure and giving clear direction to manufacturers. The UK is leading the charge to cut emissions in transport, one of the biggest polluting sectors.”
Boost for Sustainable Aviation Fuel: £165m Fund Spurs Green Skies
- Government opens second round of £165 million Advanced Fuels Fund to build at least 5 commercial-scale UK SAF plants by 2025.
- The SAF mandate consultation launched to cut aviation emissions by over 70% and boost green jobs and fuel security.
- University of sheffield/" title="Sheffield" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Sheffield named UK Clearing House for SAF testing and certification, cementing UK’s global green aviation leadership.
Aviation Minister Baroness Vere of Norbiton said: “Renewed support for sustainable aviation fuel is vital to making Jet Zero a reality. Developing a UK SAF industry will boost investment, jobs and cement the country’s place at the heart of green aviation.”
Industry Praises Clear Commitment to Zero Emission Future
BVRLA Chief Executive Gerry Keaney said: “The ZEV mandate is critical to achieving net zero. This clarity will give fleets and motorists confidence to accelerate the shift to electric. It brings long-term certainty to the new and used EV markets and helps the entire automotive supply chain plan ahead.”
ChargePoint’s Tanya Sinclair added: “We welcome this bold step. A strong ZEV mandate guarantees EV numbers from 2024, sending a clear signal to investors to ramp up chargepoints. Having the right infrastructure is crucial to support thousands of skilled jobs and meet future demand.”
The UK’s green transport revolution is speeding up — ready to power cleaner cars and planes for a healthier, greener tomorrow.
