LEVI Funding Overview
The Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) scheme is more than just a grant mechanism; it's a policy lever designed to address systemic EV charging inequalities while supporting Net Zero at the local level. Understanding how this funding works is essential for authorities that want to lead, not follow.
Eligibility: All Tier 1 authorities in England are eligible. Bidding as part of a consortium (e.g. county-wide collaborations or city-region clusters) is encouraged for better resource pooling and strategic coherence.
Funding Pot: The LEVI scheme represents one of the largest commitments to local EV infrastructure funding in the UK, with £343 million in capital and £37.8 million in capacity funding available in 2025.
Three-Stage Process: Local Authorities move through a structured path. Expression of Interest (EOI), Application & Tender Evaluation, then Contract Approval. Authorities that prepare EOI materials ahead of time will have a strategic advantage once the next window opens.
Typical Award Size: Ranges from £500,000 to over £7 million depending on local need, rurality, readiness, and overall scale. Authorities are assessed not only on bid quality but also on evidence of long-term delivery planning.
Governance: Oversight is provided by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV), with delivery and advisory support from the LEVI Support Body, comprising experts in transport, infrastructure finance, and energy systems.
The official DfT guidance on LEVI funding reinforces the details outlined above and serves as a trusted reference for Local Authorities preparing their next submission.
Common Challenges for Local Authorities
Despite growing awareness of EV infrastructure’s strategic importance, many Local Authorities face deep-rooted operational and structural barriers that can hinder effective delivery:
Resourcing Gaps: While many transport and sustainability teams understand the need for charging station rollouts, the reality is that most councils lack in-house specialists with technical, legal, or commercial expertise in EV infrastructure. This leaves authorities reliant on overstretched teams or generic procurement advisors who may not understand the nuances of charging station projects.
Procurement Complexity: The public procurement environment is notoriously rigid, and LEVI delivery often requires navigating multiple frameworks, enabling public bodies to source EV infrastructure from pre-vetted suppliers in a compliant and efficient way. Councils must also manage concession-based models and align with evolving OZEV guidance; many underestimate the lead time required to secure partners compliantly.
Technology Selection: Choosing the right type of charging station isn't just a technical detail; it influences how well the charging infrastructure serves the public, how quickly it can be installed, and its long-term financial sustainability. Local Authorities must weigh what local residents and visitors need, what the budget can support, and what makes sense for available locations. Making these decisions without clear evidence or expert input can result in underutilised or unsuitable infrastructure.
Stakeholder Alignment: EV infrastructure touches multiple departments: transport, finance, legal, planning, estates, IT, and communications. Without a central coordinating role or a unified governance framework, internal misalignment can delay key approvals, increase risk aversion, or compromise funding outcomes.
For more information on what the LEVI initiative means for your EV Charging Infrastructure plans, contact a member of the Blink team today.