Schools in England can now apply for grants to buy and install electric vehicle chargers, then sell the energy back to motorists.
The Department for Transport (DfT) says state-funded schools will get up to 75% of the cost covered. The DfT also said it could help schools earn more money by making power outlets available to the public.
This idea is part of the UK Government's Plan for Drivers, which aims to speed up the introduction of electric vehicle chargers as more people switch from petrol and diesel cars. In order to qualify for the Workplace Charging Scheme, schools, colleges, and nurseries must have dedicated off-street parking facilities. Independent schools can apply through the same scheme and through the electric vehicle infrastructure grant for small and medium businesses.
Before announcing this in Nottinghamshire on Monday, transport minister Anthony Browne said: "We are getting on with delivering our Plan for Drivers, and this latest set of measures will mean electric vehicle owners everywhere benefit from easier and more convenient access to charge points."
"This Government has already spent over £2 billion to ensure a smooth switch to electric vehicles, and we are committed to supporting drivers as we transition towards net zero in a proportionate way that doesn't burden working people." Baroness Barran, a minister in the Department for Education, said: "This is an exciting opportunity for schools across England to become part of an ongoing move towards a greener public sector."
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"Schools engaging with this grant will be supporting the development of green infrastructure, helping to improve their local environments. The expansion of this grant supports our ambition to improve the sustainability of our schools in the ongoing move towards net zero."
According to DfT figures, more than 53,000 public points have been installed across the UK, with about 770,000 fully battery-electric vehicles on UK roads. Ministers are considering a number of ways to speed up car charger installation across the country.
One proposal due to be consulted on is to change the rules to allow EV charge point operators the right to carry out street works using a permit rather than a licence. Permits can be issued faster, taking days to process instead of months, and are significantly cheaper to obtain than licences, the DfT said.
Licences can cost between £500 and £1,000 each, while permits can cost as little as £50 for minor works or £100 for standard works lasting between four to 10 days. The Government is considering making it easier for people and businesses to install electric vehicle charging points.
They're thinking about getting rid of the rule that says they have to be two metres away from anything else. If this happens, you could put charging points anywhere you're allowed to park off the street.
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can report any errors to webhomepage@mirror.co.uk
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