Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has promised that the government will take steps to make electric vehicles (EVs) more affordable, although she stopped short of confirming whether direct financial incentives—such as grants—would be part of that plan.
Speaking on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Alexander hinted at upcoming announcements expected later this week, in response to reports that Labour could introduce £700 million in subsidies to support EV purchases. However, she remained tight-lipped about specific funding mechanisms.
Instead, she highlighted £25 million in planned funding for local councils to install “cross-pavement gullies.” These channels would allow residents without driveways to run charging cables safely to their EVs. This comes in addition to £63 million already earmarked for expanding the UK’s public charging infrastructure.
While the Conservative Party welcomed the investment in charging networks, it criticized Labour’s broader strategy, claiming it was pressuring households to adopt what they see as costly technology before the infrastructure and market are ready.
At present, new electric vehicles in the UK typically cost around £22,000—nearly twice the price of standard petrol models. That said, some Chinese automakers are starting to introduce EVs at lower price points, around £18,000.
“We’re looking at how to make the switch to EVs more financially viable for consumers,” Alexander told the BBC, assuring viewers that support is on the way, though she declined to clarify whether it would resemble the kind of consumer tax credits offered in the United States.
Official data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows electric cars made up roughly 20% of new car sales in the first half of the year. However, this remains below the targets automakers are expected to meet ahead of the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel vehicle sales.
Alexander acknowledged in an interview with The Telegraph that high upfront costs remain a major deterrent. She said the government was taking a holistic approach by addressing both purchase costs and charging accessibility.
Richard Fuller MP, shadow chief secretary to the Treasury, criticised the approach, accusing Labour of “rushing” the transition and burdening families with the expense of EVs.
Beyond cost, many consumers still cite “range anxiety”—the fear of running out of battery power without nearby charging stations—as a barrier to switching. To address this, Alexander said part of the £63 million investment would go toward better signage for EV charging hubs, especially along major A-roads.
AA President Edmund King welcomed the move, calling improved signage and access to charging points “vital” to build consumer confidence.
However, motoring journalist Quentin Willson argued that the rollout remains too slow. He criticised ministers for lacking first-hand experience with EVs. “Many on the front bench don’t even drive electric cars,” he told BBC Breakfast.
When asked whether she owns an EV, Alexander said she does not. Living in a terraced home without a driveway, she explained that charging would be impractical for now. “Like millions of people, I’m looking at my next car purchase. It will definitely be electric,” she added.
For households without off-street parking, overnight EV charging can be inconvenient or expensive, as on-street public chargers typically cost more than home charging from a standard outlet.
Back in April, the government made adjustments to the EV transition timeline, easing manufacturer targets and reducing penalties in response to trade pressures, particularly from US tariffs.
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