The oil and gas company Shell has announced that it aims to install 50,000 on-street electric vehicle (EV) charge posts through their company ubitricity across the UK by the end of 2025.

The UK Government’s Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) currently meets 75% of the cost of installing on-street chargers through the On-Street Residential Charging Scheme (ORCS).

For local authorities looking to install ubitricity charge posts, Shell is prepared to cover the remaining costs, subject to commercial terms, in order to drive take-up of ubitricity chargers from the current figure of 3,600 to 50,000.

‘It’s vital to speed up the pace of EV charger installation across the UK and this aim and financing offer is designed to help achieve that,’ said David Bunch, Shell’s UK Country Chair.

‘Whether at home, at work or on-the-go, we want to give drivers across the UK accessible EV charging options, so that more drivers can switch to electric.’

Transport minister Rachel Maclean added: ‘Together with industry and local authorities, we can create cleaner, greener local communities – providing EV chargepoints for people without off-street parking across the country.

‘As more and more people make the switch to electric, this is a great example of how private investment is being used alongside Government support to ensure that our EV infrastructure is fit for the future. This is crucial as we build back greener and accelerate towards COP26.’

Originally published on LocalGov.co.uk.