The additional charge points will make it easier for drivers who don’t have off-street parking to charge their cars.

The Department for Transport is doubling the funding to encourage more people to choose electric vehicles following a 158 per cent increase in sales compared to July last year.

New charge points will be built into existing structures like lampposts.

Transport secretary Grant Shapps said: “It’s vital that electric vehicle drivers feel confident about the availability of charge points near their homes, and that charging an electric car is seen as easy as plugging in a smartphone.

“That’s why we are now doubling the funding available for local authorities to continue building the infrastructure we need to super-charge the zero emission revolution – right across the country.”

There are more than 20,000 publicly accessible charge points in Britain.

The extra funding for on-street residential charge points is part of the government’s £1.5bn investment package to get the UK to net zero emissions by 2050.

Tom Clarke, head of electric vehicle strategy at LV= General Insurance, said: “Although there’s a growing number of drivers who have already made the switch to an electric car, our research shows that a fifth (18%) will never consider buying one with their main concern focused on battery running out of charge (51%).

“Investment in electric car charging infrastructure will help boost awareness as drivers become surrounded by more charge points, and ultimately increase confidence for those who are hesitant about making the switch due to battery life.”