Andrew Jones calls for better EV charging infrastructure

Transport Minister Andrew Jones has called for better charging infrastructure across the UK to support the rising sales of ultra low emission vehicles (ULEVs).

Speaking at a conference hosted by Chargemaster, Jones said that growth in ULEVs can only continue if the public is confident in their ability to charge their vehicles and that drivers needs to know that local charging networks are ‘comprehensive, expanding, and well-maintained’.

He claimed that collaboration across government, manufacturers, charge point hosts and network operators was essential to transform neighbourhoods and provide the infrastructure needed to support increasing numbers of plug-in cars on the road and stressed that this was a priority for him in 2016.

Jones said: “What is so important about the charging network is that growth in ULEVs can only continue if the public’s confidence in their ability to charge is maintained. The vehicles on display here offer everything a driver could want. They look fantastic, and drive well.

“But drivers need to know that the charge point network in their area is comprehensive, expanding, and well-maintained; so that they can drive with confidence to the supermarket, the high street, or the local primary school. And there’s lots that local authorities can do to improve their charge point network.”

Reiterating government plans, Jones said that he wanted virtually every car to be zero emission by 2050, and that he was working with local authorities to help increase the number of on-street chargers.

He added: “There’s lots that local authorities can do to improve their charge point network. Such as requiring new building developments to include charge points, providing dedicated parking bays for local ULEV car clubs or allowing preferential access for ULEVs in low emissions zones.

“Through measures such as these, local authorities have a strong hand in encouraging the uptake of ULEV vehicles, and I’m really keen to see them play that hand well.”

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