The NHS in England is receiving a £4 million boost to roll out hundreds of new EV charging sockets thanks to an extension to the Department for Transport’s NHS Charge Point Accelerator Scheme announced today (Friday 27 February).
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.
This announcement brings total Government investment in NHS charging infrastructure to £22 million, following the Department for Health and Social Care awarding NHS trusts £10 million last month and £8 million awarded from Department for Transport last year.
This 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.
The saving will be reinvested to deliver on the Government’s goal of a more efficient, modern healthcare system, building on progress made to date. This includes the delivery of five million extra appointments in the last year and bringing waiting lists down by 330,000 since July 2024 – their lowest level in three years.
Aviation, Maritime 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 – 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.”
To see first-hand how funding for EV charging infrastructure has helped transform NHS services, EV Minister Keir Mather visited the London Ambulance Service HQ in Waterloo yesterday to see how investment from the Government supported installation of chargers across the fleet.
The Government is providing record funding to rebuild the NHS and make it fit for the future. By eliminating wasteful spending and embracing technology, the health service is overperforming on its ambitious goal of 2% annual productivity growth. Latest NHS data shows NHS productivity has grown by 2.8% between April and October 2025 compared to the year before.
Investing in environmental initiatives such as electrifying the NHS fleet helps ensure value for taxpayers by unlocking valuable savings for the health service for years to come.
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.”
