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London, July 13, 2025 – Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has promised to make electric vehicles (EVs) more affordable, though she stopped short of confirming reported £700m subsidies during an interview on BBC’s *Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg*. Alexander announced a £25m initiative to help councils install “cross-pavement gullies” for EV charging, aiding those without driveways, alongside £63m for expanding charging infrastructure.With new EVs costing nearly double the £22,000 average for petrol cars, Alexander acknowledged public hesitation due to high costs and “range anxiety.” She told the Telegraph that announcements later this week will outline measures to reduce EV purchase costs. The government aims to boost EV adoption ahead of the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel car sales, despite sales lagging behind mandated targets, with only a fifth of new cars sold this year being electric, per the SMMT. The Conservatives welcomed the investment but criticized Labour for “forcing” families into “expensive” EVs. Motoring journalist Quentin Wilson called the government’s pace “too slow,” noting many ministers, including Alexander, do not own EVs. Alexander, who lives in a terraced house without a driveway, confirmed she does not drive an EV but plans to switch for her next car. The £63m will fund better signage for EV charging hubs on major roads, addressing accessibility issues for those without off-street parking. In April, Alexander relaxed EV sales targets for manufacturers to mitigate US trade tariff impacts.
