UK Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Set to Grow
As a result of the Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018, the UK government has promised to invest heavily into the industry, with the aim of creating one of the best electric vehicle charging infrastructures in Europe.
With 155,000 electric vehicles currently on the road and the number increasing by around 3% every month, the growth of industry looks set to explode over the coming years.
The increase in popularity of these vehicles comes from a range of benefits which includes:
- Their reduced running costs compared to a standard internal combustion engine vehicle
- Their improved energy efficiency
- The numerous health benefits they offer
- The safety improvements seen in many of the electric vehicle designs.
Clearly, the UK government’s full support of these greener and cleaner modern technologies could help reduce the carbon footprint of the UK and help the electric vehicle industry to grow.
The Government pledges its support
The UK Transport Secretary, Chris Grayling has pledged to lead the UK towards the goal of becoming one of the leading countries in the world when it comes to the development and manufacture of zero-emission vehicles.
By offering one of the most innovative and carefully planned support packages including a comprehensive infrastructure of charging power points at home and work, the UK looks set to achieve this goal.
Additionally, the UK government have announced that the sale of internal combustion engines (ICE) will be banned across the UK from 2040. Scotland plans to stop selling these cars as early as 2032- an exciting step forward to the development of the electric car industry.
Local governments have also taken steps to reduce the movement of internal combustion engine vehicles from their town and city centres.
This includes a total ban of ICE vehicles from the city centre in places like Edinburgh, an increase in pedestrianised areas and controversial taxes for driving in city centres.
Financial investment will help increase the distribution of electric vehicle charging stations
To achieve these dual goals of reducing the use of internal combustion engine vehicles and promoting electric car usage, the UK has provided funding that will help improve the electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
This includes £400 million to develop the charging infrastructure itself, grants of £100 million for the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle segment and £40 million for research into better charging technology.
How UK electric vehicle owners currently charge their cars
The UK currently boasts around 13,000 electric vehicle charging points, which is around five times that of 2011.
Studies suggest that:
- 72% of electric vehicles in the UK charge their cars on Level 1 chargers at home
- 10% use Level 2 chargers whilst at work
- 16% use the faster electric vehicle charging stations around the UK
- 3% use Level 1 public chargers
With the number of electric vehicles estimated to be around 1 million by 2020, it’s clearly important to develop this charging infrastructure.
Summary
The future of electric vehicles and charging stations looks bright in the UK. Thanks to additions to UK law and the pledging of millions of pounds, the UK looks set to become leaders in the renewable energy and transportation fields.
As one of the leading providers of electric vehicle charging facilities, please contact Future Solutions for more advice.