As the UK moves towards the 2030 ban on the sale of new cars and vans, local authorities will play a key role in propelling the electric mobility transition and encouraging drivers to go electric.
With a target of at least 300,000 public charge points by 2023, the UK is advancing its electric transportation system and installing charging infrastructure across the country. Simultaneous to the installation of EV infrastructure is the steep growth of the UK’s EV market, yet there are still many drivers who are yet to turn their backs on petrol/diesel vehicles and make the switch to electric.
Local authorities are fundamental to the EV transition. Here are three ways the public sector can incentivise the shift to electric mobility and increase the possibility of making EV driving the driving form of transportation in the UK.
Install Future-Fit, Accessible EV Charge Points At The Right Locations
If drivers observe a lack of public charge points in their local areas, they may be reluctant to switching to an EV when petrol/diesel refuel remains easily accessible in both urban and rural areas of the UK. Local authorities can increase the public EV charging provision in their boroughs to highlight how easy driving an EV can be with reliable EV charging.
Where And What To Install?
Quality over quantity is a key mindset local authorities should follow. This applies to both location and charger type.
Coverage of charge points should take care not to leave wide areas vacant of charge points, and instead ensure a distribution of charging infrastructure that makes it convenient for residents and visitors to charge wherever they live and work. These decisions can be driven and informed by the data – local authorities can enquire with residents through surveys, polls and focus groups to gain an evidenced-based picture of where demand for charging is high.
Drivers require different types of EV charging depending on where they are and what they are doing. Whilst high-powered, rapid/ultra-rapid charging suits drivers who are making short stops to grab a coffee or use the restroom, a slower charge over several hours may suit drivers who are staying in a destination for a longer period of time. With these different types of charging come different power demands, too. Rather than aiming to install a certain number of chargers, local authorities should consider the power capacity available at any given site and what type of charging would be most appropriate.
Join The EV Revolution
The UK Government has recognised the importance of shared accountability when it comes to electric transportation, as is demonstrated through their target of ensuring 100% of central government cars and vans are to be fully zero emission by 2027.
Setting a precedent amongst residents by investing in an all-electric council fleet, and providing a salary sacrifice scheme and workplace charging for council employees, will allow local authorities to evidence their support for the EV revolution and provide residents with anecdotal case studies and insights to convey the experience of driving an EV. This will add authenticity to public sector support of EV driving.
Operating an electric fleet and encouraging council employees to drive electric will provide an opportunity for local authorities to test their infrastructure in the field, and subsequently make improvements and developments. This builds into the need for continuous evaluation of local charge point networks, as driver demand grows, infrastructure maintenance becomes necessary and charging sites require expansion, to help support the EV transition in the coming years.
Shout About The Benefits Of Driving Electric
There are many reasons why drivers are switching to electric, from reducing their carbon footprint and improving air pollution for future generations to a smoother driving experience and moving with the times as the EV transition develops.
Councils can encourage more drivers to switch to an EV by sharing the benefits to individuals, communities and indeed the country as a whole.
This also includes making EV driving visible in the community by informing drivers where they can find charge points, and challenging misconceptions surrounding driving an EV.
Start Your EV Charging Journey With Mer
Mer is a European charging company owned by Statkraft, Europe’s largest producer of renewable energy. Mer provides trusted and reliable EV charging infrastructure to public sector bodies across the county, combining over 10 years of experience in the electric vehicle industry with its passion for making electric mobility accessible for all.
Mer supports over 50 public sector bodies across the UK in bringing EV charging to their corners of the country. Counting New Forest District Council, Durham County Council, Eastleigh Borough Council and many more as clients, Mer’s solutions are helping councils reach key sustainability targets.
Mer’s Public EV Best Practice Charging Infrastructure Guide includes expert advice on EV charging for local authorities, including case studies and learnings from Mer’s work with its public sector partners.
Guide for the Public Sector: uk.mer.eco/charging-for-public-sector/
Website: uk.mer.eco
Email: info.uk@mer.eco
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