A freedom of information request (FoI) by electrical industry trade body ECA, has revealed that almost two thirds (66%) of local authorities do not have any plans to roll out electric vehicle charge points (EVCPs).
With government plans to end the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2035, the lack of charging infrastructure could prove a significant setback.
Only one third (33%) of local authorities could confirm they had an EVCP strategy in place, with nearly half (48%) saying they did not currently operate any EVCPs.
Nearly two thirds (60%) also had no funds earmarked for EVCPs to be installed in future.
Comments reportedly revealed a lack of ‘joined-up’ policy from central Government. One local authority representative said: “One of the barriers [to EVCP installation] is the uncoordinated approach – it’s not joined-up enough.”
Luke Osborne, ECA’s Energy & Emerging Technologies Solutions Advisor, said: “The electrical and building services industry has the potential to build and maintain the green infrastructure we need to deliver Net Zero Carbon by 2050 and make Government’s promises a reality.
“But with public interest in electric vehicles reaching an all-time high, the worrying lack of plans to install charge points will seriously hold us back in our pursuit of Net Zero – and stunt the growth of a booming market.
“A key focus for local authorities should be enabling constituents without off-street parking to readily charge with ease.”
