The UK will have to install chargepoints five times faster than the current rate if it is to meet the government’s target of phase out new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030, according to a new report.
Charging Up, a report by the Policy Exchange think tank, asserts that the phase-out of petrol and diesel vehicles will only be delivered if drivers are confident that they will have access to a comprehensive network of EV chargepoints, allaying fears of range anxiety.
Although the majority of EV charging is expected to take place at home, it argues there is a critical role for public chargepoints, which are the focus of the report.
It says its analysis shows that, over the next decade, the UK must install chargepoints five times faster than the current rate.
The report recommends that, in underserved areas, the government should procure chargepoints through competitive tenders. In addition, the authors argue that the government should fund dedicated Chargepoint Teams in local authorities to accelerate the rollout of chargepoints in their local area.
Commenting on the report, RAC spokesman Rod Dennis said: “In time, many drivers will benefit from a full charge before they even leave the house thanks to home charging. But this is only part of the solution as those without off-street parking may struggle to charge from home for some considerable time so it is vital we have a network of ubiquitous, reliable and easy-to-use public charge points. Having a sufficient number of charge points will also become especially important in those rural areas of the UK that see large annual influxes of visitors by car in the summer months.
“Without a big increase in the number of charge points right across the UK, certain parts of the country risk getting left behind as 2030 approaches. Everyone remembers what happened when broadband started to be rolled out and some areas were left with poor connections. It would be a major policy failure if something similar happened in the next few years with communities missing out on good charging provision.
“The UK’s charging infrastructure also needs simplifying to avoid drivers having to try to understand a plethora of different apps and charging systems. Something more akin to the simple process of filling up by petrol and diesel would be very welcome. At least drivers can be comforted by the fact all new charge points installed have to allow payment by contactless bank card.”
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