The UK government has announced it is investing GBP37 million in UK electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.

The funding is to be spread across twelve different projects, including solar-powered forecourts, underground charging systems and wireless chargers.

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Other projects to receive funding include the installation of chargers in car parks for overnight use, a project using Virgin Media infrastructure to help manage charging, and a project to deliver semi-rapid charging using a low power grid connection, minimising the need for substation upgrades.

The news comes on the one year anniversary of the government's Road to Zero strategy.

Future of mobility minister Michael Ellis said: "We're charging up the transport revolution and investing in technologies to transform the experience for electric vehicle drivers.

"Ensuring the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles is reliable and innovative is encouraging more people to join the record numbers of ultra-low emission vehicle users already on UK roads."

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The announcement has been welcomed by the BVRLA, which is also marking a year since it launched its own Plug-in Pledge, which committed the vehicle leasing, rental and car club industry to making 300,000 plug-in vehicle registrations per year in 2025.

Director of external relations Toby Poston said: "The pledge we launched last July saw us commit to increase the BVRLA's combined plug-in fleet from 50,000 vehicles to 720,000 in 2025. We are pleased to report that we are on track, with growth of 40% taking the combined fleet to 70,000 plug-in vehicles by the end of 2018.

"The government acknowledges the vital role our industry plays in delivering cleaner road transport. BVRLA members are currently responsible for around 35% of the UK's plug-in electric vehicles, but this figure can be far greater with the right incentives and support for fleets.

"Our recent Road to Zero Report Card report set out a number of recommendations to government on charging infrastructure. These included providing more funding and support to eliminate the UK's rapid public charge point 'blackspots' and the need to mandate universal methods of access and payment."