Consumer champion Which? is calling for a major upgrade to the UK’s electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure after its research found that only 13% of charging happens via the public network.
Which’s annual car survey highlights low usage of the public network, with only 15% of EV charging and 5% of hybrid charging currently happening at public charge points.
In a new report, ‘Building an electric vehicle charging infrastructure that is fit for the future’, Which? makes the case for major developments in the public charging infrastructure.
While Which?’s research also shows that 93% of vehicle owners are currently able to charge at home, the Competition and Markets Authority estimates that over eight million households will not be able to charge at home due to limited access to off-street parking.
The consumer champion is calling for a significant increase in the number of charging stations both on-street and at service stations – particularly in areas where they are scarce – as well as requiring charge points that are currently restricted to specific brands to be available to all EVs.
Action is also needed to simplify a system that currently has around 60 different charging networks, many of which need a specific app or Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) card. Which? believes that drivers using charge points should be able to pay with their bank card where possible or use a single app/RFID card that is accepted by all networks.
Which? also believes the public charging network should be able to charge at a comparable rate to charging at home.
Sue Davies, Which? Head of Consumer Protection Policy, said: “Improving the UK’s flawed charging infrastructure will support more motorists to make the switch to a zero-emission vehicle. The current confusing and complex system needs to be quickly overhauled if the network is going to be ready for the ban on new fossil fuel cars in 2030.”
