A new policy position on how electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure should be delivered across local authority areas has been published.
The Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning and Transport (ADEPT) has called on the government to take coordinated national action on the issue, and warned without equitable, reliable and affordable charging infrastructure, progress on EVs could stall.
Its paper on the issue said approximately one-third of UK households – around 8 to 9 million – lack access to off-street parking, making them entirely dependent on public charging. But public charge points can cost significantly more, compounded by 20% VAT.
The policy position also calls for long-term funding and resources for local authorities, a national plan for rapid charging hubs, VAT alignment between domestic and public charging, a review of DNO charging arrangements, and the development of a national EV charge point payment platform.
It also calls for the introduction of a pay-per-mile charging mechanism for EVs, with revenues directed towards highway maintenance and transport infrastructure investment.
Ann Carruthers, Past President of ADEPT and former Chair of ADEPT’s Transport & Connectivity Board said:
“Electric vehicles are a cornerstone of the UK’s decarbonisation strategy, but the transition will only succeed if drivers can charge their vehicles reliably, affordably and in the right places.
“Local authorities are at the heart of delivering this and they need the funding, powers and consistency to do it properly.”
The full policy position is available here: www.adeptnet.org.uk/supporting-transition-electric-vehicles
Graphic of report courtesy of ADEPT
