Study: only 35 on-street chargers per council by 2025

New research from energy firm Centrica has revealed councils are planning to install an average of 35 on-street electric vehicle (EV) chargers by 2025.

The research, which is taken from Freedom of Information requests to 400 councils, showed there are 7,682 on-street chargers currently installed across the UK. But only a further 9,317 are planned to be rolled out over the next 4 years.

For drivers who do not have a driveway or off-street parking, just 7% already have an EV – and less than a quarter (24%) are considering switching. More than half (53%) are not considering purchasing an EV at all, it revealed.

When all drivers were asked to consider the ban, four out of five (83%) said that they think it will be easier for drivers with a driveway to make the switch. The research also showed installation plans are not distributed evenly across the UK with southern English councils are set to install two and a half times as many on-street EV chargers by 2025 (6,713 chargers) than councils in Northern England, the Midlands, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland combined (2,604).

The latest figures showed southern councils have also plugged in 1,203 more chargers into their streets over the last three years than their northern counterparts. More than 4 in 10 (41%) drivers agreed that there is a north/south divide in council funding for charge point installations.

Some 126 councils across the UK have no concrete plans to install any more EV chargers between now and the end of 2025 beyond their current infrastructure.

Overall, there will be less than 10,000 on-street chargers installed by 2025 under current plans, creating a demand gap, as there has been a 5% year-on-year increase in requests for such infrastructure by residents in the past year. 

Speaking about the findings, sustainable transport editor at Centrica, Amanda Stretton, said: “The latest figures released today demonstrate the need for all UK councils to play their part in helping to achieve the 2030 ban. Whilst it’s great news that the government are providing initiatives to make the transition more affordable, cost isn’t the only barrier. With half of drivers attributing lack of chargers as the main reason preventing them from purchasing an EV, it’s unfair that those without a driveway risk getting left behind.

“Charging infrastructure and energy systems will need be upgraded to cope with the demand and support drivers. For example, we are working with businesses to install smart charging systems which help automate charging at times which does not put pressure on the grid.

“This helps regulate demand and ensures customers get the best deal on electricity prices. We are developing ways to support consumers, with and without driveways, in their transition to EV. For any customers who have been considering purchasing an electric vehicle but have concerns about costs and charging, our EV Top Tips offer some helpful advice to put your mind at rest and help you make the switch.”

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