UK's EV Infrastructure 12 Years Behind Schedule
Recent data shows that the government is on track to hit its 2030 target for electric vehicle charging points in 2042
As the UK prepares to ban the sales of petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030, concerns are emerging about the country’s readiness for the electric vehicle (EV) revolution. Recent data suggests that the UK government is falling drastically behind its infrastructure targets, potentially leaving thousands without easy access to EV chargers.
182.71% Increase In Annual Installations Needed
In January 2023, there were 37,055 public EV chargers according to figures from the Department for Transport. By July 2023, this number had increased to 44,020, indicating a trajectory of 13,930 new installations for the entire year. However, to meet the government’s ambitious target of 300,000 chargers by 2030, an additional 255,980 chargers must be installed over the next 6.5 years. This requires an annual installation rate of 39,382 chargers.
Analysing the government’s data, MakeMyHouseGreen reveals the severity of the shortfall: the UK needs to bolster its installation rate by an astounding 182.71%. At the current trajectory, the target would be achieved in 2042, 18.38 years from 2024, 12 years after the intended target.
“The numbers don’t lie. The current pace is alarmingly inadequate. For the UK to transition smoothly to an electric future, a robust and accessible charging infrastructure is paramount. At this rate, we’re set to hit our targets over a decade late, which is a significant concern for both consumers and the industry.”
Consumer Confidence in EVs
The government’s strategy paper, launched in March 2022, concedes that the availability of public EV chargers is directly related to consumer confidence in EVs: “We expect around 300,000 public chargers as a minimum by 2030. Our goal is to ensure these charge points are installed ahead of demand, inspiring confidence in drivers who have not yet made the switch.”
For each year that the government falls short of the installation target, the annual installation requirements grow as 2030 looms closer. A frantic rush to meet this goal in the years just before the deadline will hardly inspire consumer confidence. This is especially true given the added pressure consumers have already experienced from rising energy prices in the past year.
The expert weighed in on the broader energy landscape, stating, “With the recent high energy prices, there’s an understandable apprehension among consumers about the true affordability of EVs. It’s not just about the vehicle’s price tag; it’s about the cost of powering it. Helping households to transition to solar can alleviate some of these concerns. By creating an ecosystem where homes produce their own sustainable energy, we can smooth the path for EV adoption and ensure a greener, more cost-effective future for all.”
Charging Ahead
To ensure that the 2030 ban is effective, the government needs to address this pressing issue. A holistic approach that includes partnerships with private sectors, incentives for installation, and regulatory support may be necessary. The clock is ticking, and as we pointed out, the numbers aren’t in the UK’s favour.