Why Apply for Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund?

In this blog:  Why should Local Authorities apply? |  What is the LEVI Capital Fund?  |  LEVI Capital Fund FAQs  |  What is the LEVI Capability Fund? |  LEVI Capability Fund FAQs |  Next Steps

*updated April 2023

The era of electric motoring is on us, with the sales of EVs continuing to grow each year. However, there is still plenty for councils and local authorities to do to encourage uptake of EVs in their area. This is where the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Capability Fund comes in. What is it, and why is it a golden opportunity for local authorities and their local EV infrastructure and charging strategies?

In August 2022, the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Capability Fund pilot scheme was launched. Nine local authorities including Dorset, Durham, and Warrington were awarded funding for improving their local EV charging infrastructure. The scheme provided EV charging grants for 1,038 charge points.

In February 2023, a further £22 million of government funding and £17 million of private investment was allocated via the expansion of the pilot scheme. Three of the original LEVI pilot schemes were able to expand, whilst 16 new pilot scheme areas were funded to provide EV charging for local authorities.

We dive into what local authorities need to know about the LEVI fund, including both the capability and capital funds, why they should apply, and how to elevate their applications to achieve their goals of local EV infrastructure.

Why should Local Authorities apply for the fund?

As the shift to a net zero transportation system in the UK continues, a strong public EV charging network has never been more important. This is confirmed by the fact the Government has already spent more than £2 billion to help the transition to zero-emission vehicles, and their extension of the funding currently available for EV charging for local authorities further highlights the necessity of EV infrastructure in broader efforts to meet net-zero targets.

With the funding offered through the scheme, local authorities have an opportunity to establish or accelerate the long-term stability and growth of their local EV charging networks and infrastructure. Increased infrastructure will lead to increased confidence in EV ownership, meaning electric mobility will become a viable and attractive option for current and prospective residents for years to come. What’s more, as cities up and down the country choose to implement Low-Emission Zones (LEZ) or Ultra-Low-Emissions Zones (ULEZ), the local population will expect additional funding to be allocated to aid the transition and ensure they are not adversely financially affected. This is especially true of cities where the majority of people live in flats or houses without a drive, and therefore cannot install their own EV chargers.

This local EV charging funding can also increase the capacity local authorities have for engaging with EV charging, particularly through the employment of staff to drive their infrastructure strategies and procurement via the LEVI capability fund.

Successful applicants can also hope to learn from the expertise of charge point operators and private businesses during the process of scaling up their local EV charging infrastructure.

What is the LEVI Capital Fund?

Thw Local EV Infrastructure Fund hopes to:

• ‘Deliver a step-change in the deployment of local, primarily low power, on-street charging infrastructure across England,
• Accelerate the commercialisation of, and investment in, the local EV charging infrastructure sector.’

LEVI Capital Fund FAQs

How much is available through the LEVI fund?

£343 million of capital funding is available across the 23/34 and 24/25 financial years to improve local EV infrastructure.

Which Local Authorities are eligible for the Local EV Infrastructure Fund?

The Local EV Infrastructure Fund is allocated to ‘Tier 1 local authorities (unitary, county council or combined authorities) in England on behalf of all their constituent authorities. In London, capital funding will be delivered through borough partnerships.’

What is the LEVI Fund application process?

For those unsure of how to apply for the EV charging fund, the process is very simple. The three-step application process is as follows:

• Step one: expression of interest
• Step two: business case, criteria compliance and tender document review
• Step three: contract review

What should you consider when devising your application?

Authorities should demonstrate ‘value for money and additionality, strategic fit and suitable commercial arrangements’ in their applications. As the new charge points ‘should primarily benefit residents without off-street parking’, applicants may wish to highlight the benefit the funding will bring to this demographic.

In their applications, local authorities are being asked to reflect on how this funding will support the improvement capacity and capability for the planning and delivery of their EV infrastructure, including the establishment of an EV infrastructure strategy should this not have been created already. Our guide for local authorities offers an insight into devising an EV charging strategy, and what local authorities should be considering in the planning stages of their developments.

Embellishing on how the fund can support project planning, external engagement, commercial and internal activities, and public communications around the infrastructure are just some of the criteria listed for approved proposals.

Where can you find out more information?

The Energy Saving Trust’s information pack contains details of the scope of the Local EV Infrastructure Fund, conditions, what makes a good application, and more to help ensure your application is successful.

LEVI Capability Fund FAQs

How much is available through the LEVI fund?

There is £8 million of funding available for local authorities to improve their EV charging infrastructure.

Which Local Authorities are eligible?

Tier 1 local authorities in England are eligible to apply for the funding. This includes Combined Authorities on behalf of their regions. Partnerships or consortiums led by a tier 1 local authority within England are also eligible.

What is the application process?

Local authorities should complete and submit a scheme proforma, which is available via the Energy Saving Trust website , by 11:55pm on 26 May 2023.

What should we consider when devising our application?

In their applications, local authorities are being asked to reflect on how this funding will support the improvement capacity and capability for the planning and delivery of their EV infrastructure, including the establishment of an EV infrastructure strategy should this not have been created already. Our guide for local authorities offers an insight into devising an EV charging strategy, and what local authorities should be considering in the planning stages of their developments.

Embellishing on how the fund can support project planning, external engagement, commercial and internal activities, and public communications around the infrastructure are just some of the criteria listed for approved proposals. More information can be found via the Energy Saving Trust’s information pack.

Next Steps

Where can Local Authorities learn more about the fund?

The Energy Saving Trust offers a comprehensive guide to the LEVI scheme, including links to the required proforma and criteria for successful applications.

The LEVI support body includes the Energy Saving Trust, Cenex, and PA Consulting, who can offer local authorities assistance. In addition, the LEVI Portal, NEVIS Service and Knowledge Repository can be used to assist applications and plans.