Phil Shadbolt OBE, CEO of EZ-Charge, explores what local authorities need to consider to deliver effective, fit-for-purpose public EV charging networks to encourage more drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles.
By the end of February 2024, the UK passed the 59,000 electric vehicle charging point mark across more than 32,000 different locations.
While there is still a long way to go to reach the government’s target of 300,000 charging points by 2030, the constant advancements in EV charging technology and rate of rollout suggest this target is achievable. Especially considering the rate of growth when compared to the same time last year – with a massive 47% boost in the number of chargers since February 2023.
However, whilst it may be possible to reach the 300,000 charge point mark within that timeframe, what is essential is that new public charging networks are actually fit for purpose and not just a means to hit government targets.
If charging networks aren’t reliable, user-friendly or conveniently located, how can we expect drivers to make the switch to electric?
To support the rollout of chargers across the UK, the government has offered various grants to local authorities including LEVI and ORCS funding. Although the principle of encouraging Local Authorities to install charging networks in their own communities is sound, greater emphasis must be placed on eliminating roadblocks in delivery and prioritising what best serves local EV drivers.
For example, both the On-Street Residential Charge Point Scheme (ORCS) and Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) funding are highly focussed on providing on-street charging. The problem with this, however, is that this is not what the industry actually wants or needs.
On-street charging is difficult to rollout, inherently unreliable, the locations are sporadic, and maintenance is a nightmare. The chargers are simply too costly to maintain and do not generate enough profits to make a sound business case.
Unfortunately, all these things make it easy to imagine a future where chargers lie dormant, broken and unused and the taxpayer money that has been used to fund the schemes is squandered on a charging strategy that is doomed to fail.
Whilst on-street chargers do have their place, the bulk of new investment into public charging infrastructure must go into hubs if we are to deliver effective charging networks. It’s just common sense to put several charges together in a hub – they are much easier to install, maintain and operate.
Plus, hubs are more convenient and reliable for drivers. EV owners need to be able to choose between fast or rapid charging, they want the assurance that when they arrive there will be space for them to charge and they need price flexibility to align with their needs.
What the government must do when considering a UK-wide charging strategy is learn from what has worked and seek to replicate it.
Park & Charge Oxfordshire is a shining example of what can be achieved by local authorities with government funding. In partnership with our team at EZ-Charge, the Park & Charge project installed more than 250 public chargers in 20 local authority operated car parks across the county with the aim of offering local communities access to convenient and affordable EV charging.
Uptake of the charging facilities has grown exponentially month on month since it was launched and 90% of users have given the project 5 stars on ZapMap.
This simple yet effective blueprint would be easy to replicate across the country and should act as the gold standard for local authority charging.
The reality is, that a good EV charging experience reflects well on the local authority, but a bad one is disastrous for all concerned. Unfortunately, as many as 80% of CPOs could end up going out of business trying to operate equipment that’s not fit for purpose and business models that don’t deliver profits.
It’s now time for the government and local authorities to listen to and consult the experts in our space to help them design a successful and workable infrastructure rollout strategy to make EV adoption a viable option for drivers.