Government sets out vision for electric vehicle infrastructure

The government has released a publication detailing its vision for a national recharging infrastructure.

It sets out the steps that government and industry will take to support an infrastructure that encourages the majority to recharge at home, at night, and after the peak in electricity demand. It also outlines the need for workplace charging for commuters and fleets and a targeted amount of public infrastructure.

The strategy outlines how the government will aim to make electric vehicles an attractive choice to motorists by implementing smart metering so that cars can charge at the cheapest rate.

It also highlights the need to make it easier for private enterprise to provide recharging infrastructure by removing regulatory barriers.

Transport secretary Philip Hammond said: “The ability to re-charge is a key part of the jigsaw in supporting the growth of the electric vehicle market. It is crucial therefore that we make the process as simple as possible.

“Public chargepoints are part of the answer but putting a chargepoint on every corner is not the right approach. It is most convenient for drivers and best for the energy system for the majority of charging to happen at home.

“Electric cars mean getting out of the mentality of needing to travel to a petrol station and into the habit of refuelling when a vehicle is not being used.

“This Strategy will help maintain the UK as a global leader in the design, production and use of electric and ultra-low emission cars and at the forefront of efforts to decarbonise motoring.”

For more information
Web: www.dft.gov.uk