Obstacles in Expanding EV Infrastructure for the Goal of 300,000 Charge Points by 2030

January 29, 2025 TruthUSA

Concerns have been raised by UK consumers regarding the complex charge networks, high costs, and unreliable charging stations.

The shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) in Britain is gaining momentum, highlighting the progress and challenges in establishing a robust and accessible charging infrastructure.

If successful, the plans will lead to increased demand for affordable and diverse EV infrastructure options.

The number of public charging devices in the UK reached 73,334 in January, showing growth from 53,677 a year earlier. However, the 2024 increase of 37 percent marked a slower rollout compared to 45 percent in 2023.

According to the National Audit Office (NAO), more efforts are needed to ensure adequate coverage across all regions of the UK.

The number of charge point installations is progressing as planned, but NAO highlighted several challenges affecting the development of charging infrastructure.

These challenges include uneven regional distribution, inadequate supply in rural areas and on motorways, and delays due to slow planning permission processes and grid connections.

“Consumers have expressed various concerns about using public charge points, prompting the government to implement regulations to address them. These concerns include the complexity of using charge points, unclear or expensive pricing, and faulty or non-functional charge points,” stated the NAO report.

Types of Chargers and Government Schemes

EV chargers come in various types, each catering to different needs.

Slow chargers are suitable for homes and workplaces, taking up to 12 hours for a full charge. Rapid chargers provide power between 50-100kW, while ultra-rapid chargers deliver over 100kW of power.

Currently, there are approximately 14,000 rapid or ultra-rapid chargers in the UK located in car parks, shopping centers, and motorways.

According to RAC, charging at home is preferred over relying on the public network for guaranteed full charges and energy savings through preheating or cooling the car’s cabin using the preconditioning feature.

Several government schemes aim to support the expansion of EV charging infrastructure for motorists.

Analysis by Field Dynamics revealed that over 75 percent of the 9.3 million households without off-street parking lack access to a public charger within a five-minute walk.

Through the LEVI fund, the Department for Transport (DfT) aims to install at least 100,000 charge points, although concern remains about delays caused by the longer-than-expected development of local authority plans.

Local authorities can access government funding schemes and establish partnerships to develop charging strategies and enhance EV charging services.

In December, London Councils collaborated with procurement specialist Proactis to launch a new system facilitating suppliers’ bids for contracts and assisting local authorities in managing their procurement needs.

However, the effectiveness of such initiatives can vary, leading to inconsistent development of EV infrastructure across regions.

Regional Disparities and Accessibility

The uneven distribution of charging infrastructure poses a significant challenge to the government’s ZEV transition plans.

NAO reports that 44 percent of public charge points are in London and the South-East, while rural areas in England only have 15 percent. London has the highest number of charge points per capita compared to other regions.

According to data from Zapmap, Greater London has over 22,000 charging points, with 9,494 in the South East and 6,490 in the West Midlands.

Wales and Northern Ireland have 3,127 and 680 charge points, respectively.

Drivers traveling long distances may experience “charging anxiety” due to uncertainty about charge point availability on extended journeys.

The National Grid is working to ensure ultra-rapid EV chargers are strategically placed along major roads, maintaining a driver’s proximity to a charger within 30 miles.

“This will give drivers confidence that their main–or only–car can be electric,” stated the company.

Accessibility of charging infrastructure for drivers with disabilities is another concern raised by NAO.

The cost of charging an EV at a public charge point varies based on the network and location. Many local authorities offer a pay-per-session approach for on-street chargers.

Currently, VAT on public charging is set at 20 percent, compared to just 5 percent for private home charging, creating a disadvantage for those without home charging access. Many drivers rely on apps to find preferential rates and manage costs.

Businesses can reclaim VAT on charging if they are sole proprietors charging EVs at home for business purposes.

The automotive industry is dedicated to meeting the ZEV mandate, achieving record levels of EV registrations in 2024. However, the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT) reported a slow adoption of EVs by private consumers despite manufacturer discounts.

Private consumer EV adoption remains low, with petrol being the dominant powertrain choice, according to SSMT.

Delays in public charge point rollout have further complicated the transition process.

“The ZEV Mandate requires 28 percent of UK car sales to be EV this year, a 46 percent increase over 2024. Charge point rollout needs to match or exceed this increase to instill confidence in potential EV buyers,” said SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes.

Based on current data, the UK needs to install approximately 3,700 charging points monthly nationwide to achieve the government’s 300,000 goal.

PA Media contributed to this report.

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