“Truly visible and national” charging network needed to support switch to electric cars

Published: 10 Sep 2018

By: NIC

Tagged:

Close up of a charger plugged into an electric vehicle

Energy UK today joined with business and environmental organisations to urge the Government to be more ambitious in supporting take-up of electric vehicles – a similar call to that made by the National Infrastructure Commission.

In their letter to the Prime Minister, Energy UK call for a range of measures to support drivers looking to buy electric cars, including accelerating phasing out new petrol and diesel vehicles.

The National Infrastructure Commission has also called for more ambition in encouraging take-up of electric vehicles in its first-ever National Infrastructure Assessment, which highlights the need for a truly national and visible charging network.

Recommendations for action include that councils should allocate a portion of their parking spaces for charging electric vehicles as part of a range of measures to support for drivers looking to make the switch.

Responding to today’s letter from Energy UK to the Government, a National Infrastructure Commission spokesman said:

“Recent figures have shown the increasing demand there is for electric vehicles.  Today’s call from Energy UK and business is therefore a welcome recognition of the benefits this can bring to the UK.

“But to support drivers to make the switch from petrol and diesel, our National Infrastructure Assessment recommends that councils work with charge point providers to ensure more of their parking spaces – including on-street parking – can be ready for electric vehicles.

“This should be a key part of delivering a truly visible and national charging network so that as demand for electric cars continues to surge, our infrastructure can keep up.”

Notes to Editors:

The National Infrastructure Assessment made a series of recommendations for preparing the UK for electric vehicles – see details here

 

Share this article

<

Recent Articles

Funding allocation reforms “step forward” for flood resilience
Aerial image of the bridge over the River Derwent at Bubwith in Yorkshire during a flood

Funding allocation reforms “step forward” for flood resilience

The government has today (13 November) announced plans to reform the funding of flood risk management, alongside a review of the existing formula to ensure it addresses the flood protection challenges of businesses, and rural and coastal communities. In response Professor Jim Hall, Commissioner at the National infrastructure Commission, said: “We welcome government’s commitment to...

13 Nov 2024 By
Advice to ministers provides “welcome clarity” on Clean Power 2030 trajectory
T pylons being constructed

Advice to ministers provides “welcome clarity” on Clean Power 2030 trajectory

The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has today (5 November 2024) published details of its advice to government on the steps needed to transform electricity generation, the transmission grid and other parts of the UK’s energy system in order to deliver the government’s Clean Power 2030 objectives. The analysis notes that while meeting the 2030...

5 Nov 2024 By
Budget response: welcome announcements on capital funding, HS2 and roads
Workers fixing a pothole in Buckinghamshire

Budget response: welcome announcements on capital funding, HS2 and roads

Today (Wednesday 30 October) the government has set out its autumn Budget. It contains a number of infrastructure-related announcements including changes to capital investment rules, funding to complete the HS2 link between Old Oak Common and Euston station, and additional support for fixing roads. In response, Commission Chair Sir John Armitt said: On changes to...

30 Oct 2024 By

Evidence_Icon_Turquoise Created with Sketch.

Explore data used in the Commission's research, and gain insights from across UK infrastructure