Which? launches policy paper on improving EV infrastructure

Which? is calling for a major upgrade to the UK’s electric car public charging system infrastructure, as more people will become dependent on it  as the ban on petrol and diesel vehicles approaches.

Which? research reveals that only 13% of electric and plug-in hybrid car charging currently happens via public chargers but that is going to change in the future.

The Competition and Market Authority (CMA) estimates there will be eight million drivers across the UK who do not have the ability to charge an EV from home. As we approach the ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars in 2030 and drivers switch to electric, the number of people who’ll be completely reliant on public charging will rise starkly. This is why it’s vital that access to the public charging network is improved, as well as the experience of using it.

From the number of chargers and how reliable they are, to simplifying charger access and payment methods, to creating a comprehensive redress system and addressing the needs of disabled drivers, there is much that must happen to keep on improving the current charging infrastructure.

Sue Davies, Which? head of consumer protection policy, says: "Our research shows that few electric vehicle owners currently rely on the public charging network, but this will have to change if millions of people are going to switch from petrol and diesel vehicles in the next decade.

"Improving the UK’s flawed charging infrastructure will support more motorists to make the switch to a zero-emission vehicle. The current confusing and complex system needs to be quickly overhauled if the network is going to be ready for the ban on new fossil fuel cars in 2030. ‘Charging must be easy, accessible and affordable if people are going to make the move to an electric car.’

"To that end, we are today publishing our first electric vehicle charging policy paper that sets out our recommendations for the future of public charging infrastructure across the UK nations."

Read the report here.