Local councils plan to install just 9,317 electric vehicle charging points over the next four years, raising concerns about a lack of supportive infrastructure for plug-in vehicles.
According to research conducted by the British energy supplier Centrica – under a Freedom of Information request to over 400 local councils – it states that there are 7,682 on-street chargers currently installed across the UK, but only a further 9,317 are scheduled to be installed over the next four years.
With sales of electric vehicles expected to skyrocket in the next few years, this leaves those drivers who have no access to home charging or a driveway, and who rely on on-street parking with serious concerns before the Government's much-debated 2030 ban on petrol and diesel models, high and dry.
Centrica's report states that out of drivers who do not have a driveway or off-street parking, just 7% already have an EV, less than a quarter (24%) are considering switching but over half (53%) are not considering purchasing an EV at all.
The report then explains how 126 councils across the UK have no firm plans to install any more EV chargers than they already have between now and the end of 2025.
Grant Shapps, the UK Secretary of State for Transport, announced earlier this month that the Government would be doubling its initial contribution to public charging points, providing £10-million towards installations in 2021 and possibly funding 3,600 EV charging points nationwide.
Amanda Stretton, Sustainable Transport Editor at Centrica, said: 'Whilst it's great news that the Government is providing initiatives to make the transition more affordable, cost isn't the only barrier.
“The latest figures released today demonstrate the need for all UK councils to play their part in helping to achieve the 2030 ban.
“With half of drivers attributing lack of chargers as the main reason preventing them from purchasing an EV, it’s unfair that those without a driveway risk getting left behind,” Stretton added.
“We are working with businesses to install smart charging systems which help automate charging at times which does not put pressure on the grid. This helps regulate demand and ensures customers get the best deal on electricity prices. We are developing ways to support consumers, with and without driveways, in their transition to EV.”
Keyword: Councils planning to install just 9,317 charging points before 2025