The UK government’s ambitious plan to install 300,000 electric vehicle charge points by 2030 is at risk of creating a regional divide between well-connected areas in London and the south-east and the rest of the country.
UK Electric Vehicle Charger Rollout Risks Regional Divide
The UK government’s plan to install 300,000 electric vehicle charge points by 2030 is on track, but a National Audit Office (NAO) report warns that the rollout risks creating a regional divide between well-connected areas in London and the south-east and the rest of the country.
The Current State of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
Overall, 44% of all public charge points have been installed in London and the south-east, while only 15% of charge points in England are in rural areas. This indicates that large swathes of the country are missing out on access to electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Planning Permission Delays
The rollout has been hindered due to delays in planning permission for charge point operators, which are taking longer to develop than expected. The NAO has also highlighted that the process is “slower and more expensive” than it needs to be, making it difficult for governments to meet its targets.
Grid Connections and Local Authority Plans
Another issue facing the rollout is the need for electricity grid connections, which can add significant costs to charge point operators. Additionally, local authority plans are taking longer to develop than expected, affecting the installation of charge points.
The Need for Government Intervention
The NAO has warned that without government intervention, the UK may not achieve its goal of having sufficient public charge points in key locations along long-distance journeys. This could lead to a lack of confidence among drivers switching to electric vehicles.
“This may not happen at the pace and in the locations needed without government intervention,” said Gareth Davies, head of the NAO.
Encouraging the Take-up of Electric Vehicles
Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, chair of the House of Commons’ public accounts committee, has emphasized the need for reliable, convenient, and accessible charging points. He stated that “if the government is serious about encouraging the take-up of electric vehicles, it must ensure the public can reach reliable, convenient and accessible charging points.”
The government has been approached for comment on these concerns, but as yet, no response has been received.
