New charge point initiatives to boost uptake of electric vehicles

As part of a string of government initiatives designed to boost confidence in the UK’s electric vehicle infrastructure, the Department for Transport has this week made two key announcements.

The first sets out government’s ambition to see all newly installed rapid and higher-powered charge points provide a ‘pay-as-you-go’ debit or credit card payment option by spring 2020.

The second is the launch of a public consultation proposing to change building regulations in England to see all new-build homes with a dedicated parking space fitted with an electric car charge point.

The government hopes to reduce range anxiety by working with industry to make charge point data freely available, helping drivers to easily locate and access available charge points without the need for multiple smartphone apps or membership cards.

Both announcements are welcomed by the BVRLA, which is delighted that the government has appeared to be taking note of the recommendations outlined in the association’s Road to Zero Report Card. This was launched at a recent Parliamentary event attended by two ministers and over 40 parliamentarians.

Future of Mobility Minister, Michael Ellis, said:

“The government’s vision is for the UK to have one of the best electric vehicle charging networks in the world, but we know the variety of payment methods at the moment is a source of frustration for drivers. It is crucial there are easy payment methods available to improve electric vehicle drivers’ experiences and give drivers choice.”

Having supported the installation of almost 100,000 domestic charge points through grant support schemes as well as supporting the installation of over 20,000 publicly accessible charge points, the government claims that the UK has one of the largest charging networks in Europe.

Read more on the recent government announcements on the GOV.UK website:

Issued 15 July: All new rapid charge points should offer card payment by 2020

Issued 15 July: Electric car charge points to be installed in all future homes in world first.