​More than 20 locations across Kirklees could see new electric vehicle charging points installed from this summer, as part of a multi-million pound investment to support greener transport.

The West Yorkshire region is set to receive £2.5 million through the government's Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund. The funding will be managed by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and is intended to boost the number of publicly accessible EV chargers by 2027. Additional backing from private providers will bring the total value of the scheme in Kirklees to around £3.8 million.

The local council's cabinet is expected to formally accept the funding in the coming days, as part of wider efforts to become net zero and climate resilient by 2038.

The project will be delivered in two phases. The first phase will involve installing EV chargers at 23 sites, starting with three priority locations this summer, using a portion of the LEVI grant. A second phase will focus on installing on-street chargers in residential areas with limited parking options. These locations are yet to be confirmed but will be in place by 2026 or 2027.

The council has acknowledged that some pay-and-display parking income will be lost when EV bays are installed. However, new income will be generated by leasing the charging bays to operators over a 15-year period. This could result in an annual return of approximately £27,700 and more than £400,000 over the full lease term.

At the end of the lease, the council will have the option to extend agreements or ask providers to remove equipment and restore the sites. While EV drivers will not initially be charged to park while using the chargers, the council has left the door open to introducing future fees or permits.