£4m boost for NHS electric vehicle chargepoint roll-out

The NHS in England is receiving 4m roll out hundreds of new electric vehicle charging sockets via an extension to the Department for Transport’s NHS Chargepoint Accelerator Scheme.

The extension builds on government funding supporting the delivery of over 1,000 EV charging sockets to power up electric ambulances and fleets, saving millions on maintenance and fuel costs, which can be invested directly back into frontline care.

The announcement brings total government investment in NHS charging infrastructure to £22m, following the Department for Health and Social Care awarding NHS trusts £10m last month and £8m awarded from the DfT last year.

The funding will support the NHS to modernise some of its 20,000 strong fleet of medical vehicles, helping to decarbonise 460 million miles of travel each year.

Aviation, maritime and decarbonisation minister Keir Mather visited the London Ambulance Service HQ in Waterloo to see how investment from the government supported installation of chargers across the fleet.

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 – that’s good for taxpayers, patients and our communities.

“With over 116,000 public chargers now on UK roads, our investment is transforming the UK’s public charging network so more drivers can make the switch to electric with confidence.”

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.

“With taxpayers getting more bang for their buck and more money for patient care, there is not just a moral case for this investment, but a pragmatic one, too.
This funding is clear proof we’re upgrading and modernising the NHS and making it fit for the next century and beyond.”

Chris Gormley, chief sustainability officer at NHS England, added: “Moving to electric vehicles is helping to make the NHS fit for the future – providing quick response times for patients and improving air quality around hospitals.

“Thanks to this new funding and continued investment from the government, more NHS trusts will also save on fuel and maintenance costs. 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.” 

Responses 

Matt Adams, head of electrical transport systems at BEAMA said: “This is great news for the NHS, whose drivers will benefit from access to quieter, more comfortable to drive vehicles and dedicated charging infrastructure, making the change as seamless as possible for NHS staff. BEAMA members have installed over half a million chargepoints to date, and this funding will  continue to help deployment numbers rise, and support our critical services function for the community and the environment.”

Sue Robinson, chief executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), said: “Investing in the electrification of the NHS fleet is a smart move that will deliver tangible savings for the health service, while showing the public that the government is leading the way on electric vehicles. This investment is a positive move and a clear example of how public sector leadership can drive change. Electrifying the NHS fleet will not only save money for taxpayers but also support the wider EV transition, ensuring both the public and industry can benefit from a cleaner, more sustainable transport system.”