Research by Vauxhall has highlighted the growing reliance drivers are placing on their local councils to increase on-street charging provision for electric vehicle (EV) drivers.
According to its findings, Vauxhall revealed that 75% of motorists are depending on local authorities to install on-street charging to meet the demands and increasing numbers of EV owners.
The new research comes ahead of England and Wales’ local and mayoral elections, set to take place on 2 May. It found that only 25% of respondents noticed issues around charging infrastructure playing a role in the political manifestos and canvassing of local candidates, suggesting it has dropped off the political agenda.
Only 30% of respondents said motorists who own or want to own an EV are supported by their local council, with numbers noticeably lower in regions outside of London.
Highlighting the issues further, only 10% of drivers told Vauxhall they were happy with the levels of on-street charging in their area, with satisfaction rates in Wales dropping to as low as 4%.
Alongside an online database for drivers to register charging needs in their area, Vauxhall has established an ‘Enablement Fund’ to help Local Authorities, working with leading charging operators char.gy, Connected Kerb and SureCharge.
Registrations to Vauxhall’s Electric Streets of Britain hub mirror concerns expressed through the latest research, with high levels of interest for charge point installations logged in cities including Glasgow, Leeds and Birmingham.
James Taylor, Managing Director, Vauxhall, said:
“Electric vehicle charging infrastructure is just one of many concerns that should be discussed in great detail ahead of this year’s local and mayoral elections. While recent figures show charge point numbers are increasing, our latest research highlights how drivers are increasingly reliant on their Local Authorities to make sure infrastructure needs are being met.
“Our Electric Streets of Britain initiative was launched to support Local Authorities, working with our partners to educate councils on the importance of installing more accessible on-street charging to ensure no driver is left behind on the UK’s journey to electric. We hope to see local councils listening to these drivers who are reliant on their support to provide confidence and ensure motorists across the country feel they can join the electric transition efficiently and safely.”
Image from Vauxhall
