EV charging rollout too slow for 2030 ban, warns Policy Exchange

The UK government's target to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 presents a significant challenge for the nation's electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. A report by the Policy Exchange think-tank has warned that the rollout of charging points is too slow, risking "charging blackspots" in rural areas and smaller towns across the country. This raises concerns about the network's readiness to support widespread EV adoption1.

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The current landscape of UK EV charging

The UK's public EV charging network has seen growth, but it faces an immense task to keep pace with projected demand. The Policy Exchange report states that the UK currently has around 35,000 public chargers, but will need 400,000 by 2030 to meet demand when new conventionally-fuelled cars and vans are prohibited.

Public charging network: growth and distribution

The expansion of the public charging network is evident, with thousands of new points added annually. Rapid and ultra-rapid chargers are increasing at a faster rate than slower options, reflecting a shift towards more efficient charging solutions for drivers on the go. However, the distribution remains uneven. Central London, for instance, has built up impressive coverage, but "vast swathes of the country have not," according to Conservative MP Simon Clarke. This disparity highlights the regional imbalances that still need addressing.

Government targets and the 2030 ban

The UK government has set a firm target to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030. To support this transition, the Policy Exchange estimates that 400,000 public chargers will be needed by the same deadline. This is a significant increase from the current numbers.

The 'world-leading' claim: a closer look

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps previously described the UK's charging network as "world-leading". While the growth is undeniable, motoring groups like the RAC have expressed concerns that parts of the country could be left behind. The sheer scale of the infrastructure needed to meet the 2030 ban means that continuous, accelerated deployment is critical.

Addressing the challenge: charging blackspots and rural solutions

The rapid expansion of EV charging points has not been uniform, leading to the risk of "charging blackspots" - areas with insufficient charging infrastructure. These are particularly prevalent in rural areas and small towns, creating anxiety for EV owners and those considering the switch.

Identifying underserved areas

The Policy Exchange report specifically highlighted the risk of certain regions, such as the North West of England, Yorkshire, and Northern Ireland, falling behind in chargepoint deployment. Conservative MP Simon Clarke noted the contrast with petrol cars, stating, "Whereas a driver of a petrol car can travel confidently from Land's End to John O'Groats, knowing that they can refill the tank every few miles, that is not yet the case for EVs (electric vehicles)". This sentiment underscores the need for a more ubiquitous and reliable public charging experience.

Policy Exchange recommendations: learning from offshore wind

To combat these blackspots, the Policy Exchange recommends that the government implement contracts for private firms to install chargers in underserved areas. This model is similar to the successful offshore wind farm auctions, which have driven significant investment in renewable energy. The think-tank also suggests price caps to prevent local monopolies from exploiting drivers in areas with limited charging options.

On-street charging initiatives

Recognising the challenge for residents without off-street parking, the government has introduced initiatives to boost on-street charging. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced £20 million of funding for local authorities to install 4,000 more on-street charge-points across the UK. These will allow residents without access to off-street parking to charge their vehicles.

The critical role of home charging for EV owners

While public infrastructure is vital, home charging remains the most convenient and often the most cost-effective solution for many EV owners. It provides a reliable and consistent power source, mitigating much of the anxiety associated with public charging availability. For more information on setting up your home for an EV, consider reading about EV charging at home.

Reliability and convenience at your doorstep

For the majority of EV drivers, home charging overnight is the primary method of refuelling their vehicles. This offers unparalleled convenience, allowing drivers to start each day with a full "tank" without needing to seek out public chargers. It transforms the charging experience from a chore into a seamless part of daily life.

Smart charging and energy management

Modern home charging solutions often integrate with smart energy management systems. These systems can optimise charging times to take advantage of off-peak electricity tariffs, making EV ownership even more affordable. By intelligently managing energy consumption, EV owners can reduce their running costs and contribute to a more stable grid. Understanding your electric car charging cost can help you make the most of these tariffs.

Mitigating public infrastructure anxiety

Having a reliable home charging setup empowers EV owners with "power to play with," ensuring they have confidence in their energy supply regardless of public infrastructure gaps. This abundance of personal charging makes it a primary solution to infrastructure concerns, complementing the public network rather than negating its necessity. Fuse, for example, enables customers to have more energy at home for their EV, making personal charging abundant and convenient.

Government strategy and investment in EV infrastructure

The UK government continues to invest in and strategise for a robust EV charging network, recognising its importance for the 2030 ban and broader environmental goals.

Department for Transport funding and levelling up

Beyond specific on-street initiatives, the Department for Transport has allocated funding to accelerate chargepoint rollout. The Policy Exchange report called for local authorities to be given Department for Transport funding for dedicated teams tasked with boosting rollout in residential areas. This aligns with the government's "levelling up" agenda, seeking to ensure equitable access to charging infrastructure across all regions.

Private sector investment and collaboration

Private sector investment is also crucial. Collaboration between public and private entities is essential to meet the ambitious targets and address regional disparities. The Policy Exchange's recommendation for government contracts with private firms, akin to offshore wind farm auctions, aims to stimulate this investment in areas where market forces alone might not suffice.

Zero emission vehicle targets and adoption rates

Prime Minister Boris Johnson brought forward the ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars and vans from 2040 to 2030 as part of his "green industrial revolution". He also pledged £1.3 billion towards charging infrastructure over the next four years. Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders shows battery electric models took 17% of the new car market in 2020, up from 3% during the previous 12 months.

The future of UK motoring: building a robust charging network

The journey towards a fully electric UK motoring landscape by 2030 is well underway, but it requires sustained effort and strategic investment to overcome existing hurdles.

Accelerating charging point installation

Despite significant growth, the pace of chargepoint installation needs to accelerate further to meet the 2030 targets. The current rate, while impressive, still leaves a substantial gap to fill, especially when considering the Policy Exchange's recommendation of 400,000 public chargers. Continued innovation in deployment methods and streamlined planning processes will be vital.

Ensuring equity across regions

Addressing "charging blackspots" and ensuring equitable access to charging infrastructure across all regions is paramount. This involves targeted funding, strategic planning, and incentivising private investment in areas that have historically been underserved. Policy Exchange senior research fellow Ed Birkett noted, "Companies are rolling out charge-points at a record rate, but there's a risk that some areas of the country won't get enough charge-points and will be left behind". The aim is to ensure that no part of the country is left behind in the electric vehicle revolution.

Towards a green industrial revolution

The transition to electric vehicles is a cornerstone of the UK's broader "green industrial revolution" and its net-zero emissions target by 2050. A robust and accessible charging network is not just about convenience; it's about enabling cleaner air, quieter streets, and a more sustainable future for all. By combining government policy, private sector innovation, and empowering individual EV owners with reliable home charging, the UK can confidently navigate this transformative period.

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References

1. EV Powered. Rollout of electric charging points still too slow to meet petrol car sales ban