High public charging costs seen to be big barrier to EV uptake

Three out of four drivers believe the high cost of public charging to be the most significant barrier to wider uptake of Electric Vehicles (EV), according to EVA England's latest report.

Other major concerns highlighted by respondents were the deterrent effect of common ‘EV misinformation and myths’ and the high initial purchasing costs of EVs compared to petrol and diesel equivalents.

Vicky Edmonds, Chief Executive of EVA England, said: “We urge the Government to take note of our findings. They are informed by the most important people in this debate – the drivers themselves. Whilst we continue to see very high levels of satisfaction from EV drivers who have made the switch from petrol and diesel, there are still significant barriers to wider uptake.  

"Action is needed to tackle the ‘triple whammy’ of high public charging costs, the constant drip feed of anti-EV misinformation from vested interests and the high initial costs of EV purchase. In addition, we urge the Government to consider a raft of other measures that can, in combination and over time, help ensure that demand for EVs continues to grow at the required pace to help meet the country’s climate targets.”

The report comes as EVA England submits its response to the Government’s public consultation on its flagship Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate policy.

The association has made 14 recommendations, including an expansion of popular workplace ‘salary sacrifice’ schemes, the introduction of a scheme that allows access to lower cost EVs for lower income households, such as a France style social leasing scheme or used car loan scheme.
    
EVA England also recommends a simplified application and permit processes for the installation of cross-pavement charging solutions, minimum compliance with accessibility standards for drivers with disabilities, and regulated signage for charging points to improve charge point visibility in terms of both location and cost.

Vicky Edmonds added: "EV uptake has risen quickly over the last fifteen years. In 2010 there were just over 1,500 Electric cars on UK roads, compared to over 1 million today. Much of this impressive growth can be closely linked to Government incentives and regulations aimed at EV uptake. But as the market evolves so do the challenges, meaning a new set of actions is now needed to encourage more drivers to take up an EV.”