A new guide that could help local authorities dramatically speed up and strengthen their EV charging rollout is now available.

Powering Local EV Infrastructure: A Guide for Councils launched this week by the UK100 network of local government leaders, in partnership with UK Power Networks’ DSO and Cenex, and is available now to all local authorities across England.

The publication comes at a critical moment. The Government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund is releasing almost £400m to support the installation of 100,000 new EV charge points across England, as EV adoption accelerates to record levels. Many councils, however, still face complex technical, financial and operational challenges that risk slowing progress.

The guide supports councils through their entire EV delivery journey, hubs, government bodies and community groups. It provides a comprehensive, practical roadmap for councils across England, covering every stage of EV infrastructure delivery – from strategic planning and business case development through to procurement, funding, distribution network connections and equitable access for drivers without off-street parking.

One of the most striking findings highlighted in the guide is the transformative impact of evidence-based digital planning.

Councils using ChargePoint Navigator – a free digital tool developed by UK Power Networks Distribution System Operator (DSO) with support from their delivery partner Field Dynamics, collaborator Cenex and data provider Zapmap – achieved a 100% first-time LEVI funding success rate, compared with an average success rate of 37% for those not using the tool.

ChargePoint Navigator integrates network cabling capacity information, pavement widths, on-street household data and localised EV demand projections, enabling councils to identify viable sites earlier. Councils such as Kent and Brighton & Hove have used it to align district-wide planning, identify priority sites, engage charge point operators with collaborative work space, improve procurement decision-making and track delivery.

Christopher Hammond, chief executive of UK100, said: “Local authorities are absolutely central to making the electric vehicle transition work for everyone, yet too many councils have struggled to navigate the complex funding, technical and commercial challenges involved. Until the way local climate action is funded is fundamentally reformed, this new guide is indispensable.

“This collaboration between UK100, UK Power Networks DSO and Cenex brings together policy expertise, technical infrastructure knowledge and practical delivery experience in a way that’s never been done before. It’s exactly the kind of practical support that helps councils create thriving places powered by clean energy and clean air.”