DfT says cash is part of ongoing NHS efforts to decarbonise
The NHS in England is receiving £4 million to install hundreds of new electric vehicle charging sockets, including across the West Midlands.
Part of the government’s ‘NHS Charge Point Accelerator Scheme,’ the cash injection brings total public investment in NHS charging infrastructure to £22 million – following £10 million awarded by the Department for Health and Social Care last month and £8 million from the Department for Transport last year.
The DfT said the investment will help modernise the health service’s fleet of 20,000 medical vehicles and decarbonise 460 million miles of travel each year, with savings reinvested directly into frontline care.
116,052 public EV charge points across UK right now
Aviation and Decarbonisation Minister, Keir Mather, said: “Backing the switch to electric for our NHS fleet will save our health sector millions and help to clean up 460 million miles worth of journeys across England. Good for taxpayers, patients, and our communities.”
The announcement comes as new government figures show the number of public EV chargers across the UK has reached 116,052.
The updated statistics report individual chargers rather than charging devices, offering a more accurate picture of how many vehicles can be charged simultaneously.
Based on industry estimates, the figures suggest there are now more EV chargers than fuel pumps across the UK.
‘Everybody wins’
Minister of State for Health Karin Smyth said: “With cleaner vehicles and lower fuel bills for the NHS, everybody wins. Savings made from this investment will be redirected back to where they’re needed, getting patients seen on time again.”
Chris Gormley, Chief Sustainability Officer at NHS England, said: “Zero emission vehicles are expected to save the NHS tens of millions every year, which can then be reinvested directly into frontline care for patients.”
The government is also supporting drivers more broadly through the Electric Car Grant, which offers discounts of up to £3,750 on eligible vehicles and has already helped more than 65,000 people make the switch to electric.
