Government's LEVI funding backs Lambeth Council

In a successful join bid with Southward Council through the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) funding initiative form the government, Lambeth Council has secured £1.36 million government funding to upgrade its electric vehicle (EV) chargepoint network.

Together, the two councils received £2.7 million, and Lambeth Council’s share will be able to deliver up to 404 new chargepoints across the borough to help keep pace with electrification of cars. The funding follows Lambeth Council’s decision to operate its own model for its chargepoint network, meaning that the council will manage it entirely rather than relying on paying a third party. This means revenue made from chargepoints can be directly reinvested.

Existing EV users who previously used Ubricity chargepoints have now moved over to the smartphone app ClenergyEV.

At the moment, Lambeth has more than 600 EV charging points across the borough with a further 100 fast or rapid points and 130 rapid charging points planned to be installed this year.

Lambeth Council’s Electric Vehicle Strategy 2023-2030 sets out how the council aims to support EV drivers by investing in infrastructure such as chargepoints, as well as committing to reducing all vehicle journeys by 27 per cent where possible.

Councillor Rezina Chowdhury, cabinet member of sustainable Lambeth and clean air, said: “This is a significant investment in EV infrastructure that means we will be able to continue our roll out of rapid and fast charging points over the coming year.

“The council is committed to transforming our local streets, so they prioritise people, and while we are supporting people to take more active forms of travel, we have to consider the needs of those who need to drive a motor vehicle.”

“We do not believe electric vehicles are the solution to making travel more sustainable, but we recognise they form a part of that solution. If we are going to be a success in reducing road danger, improving air quality and encouraging more sustainable travel, we need solutions that work for everyone.”