Aftermarket May 2022

Above: Access to multiple charging networks is an issue the Strategy attempts to address public on-street and destination charging provision.” Mike added: “Every stakeholder will have to play their part in this transition but, if industry and consumers are to have the certainty they need to invest, commensurate and binding targets must be set for infrastructure provision. Deployed nationally and at pace, this expansion would give drivers confidence they will be able to charge as easily as they would refuel, wherever they are.” Barriers According to Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), for consumer uptake to continue, infrastructure investment is vital: "We have repeatedly highlighted that the ability to seamlessly charge an electric vehicle represents one of the key barriers to consumers' uptake of EVs. "It is encouraging that the government has committed to increasing the number and improving the quality of chargepoints across the UK. An efficient charging infrastructure is vital to boost consumer confidence, drive transport decarbonisation and meet the 2030 deadline. We will continue to engage with government departments to encourage a structured approach to continue to improve the UK charging infrastructure.” Confidence While he sees the announcement as good news in broad terms, Aidan McClean, co-founder and CEO of EV car rental provider UFODRIVE and author of the book Electric Revolution, believes more action is needed: “The government’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy has not come a moment too soon, for both the EV market and Britain’s efforts in battling climate change. When the government acts decisively, it not only gives consumers the confidence to continue buying EVs, but also gives the private sector the impetus to invest, build and contribute towards this future. “This is a great start, but more will be needed, and it is nothing without telling the truth about EVs; how vital they are for tackling climate change, and how practical and realistic they can be given the right infrastructure and environment. We hope to see the government lead with this message. He continued: “Giving Britain the confidence to drive electric requires three things; Innovative software and plentiful data, a network of rapid charging points throughout our roads and homes, and a steadfast plan to give consumers the confidence to buy and the private sector the assurance they need to build and invest. Firstly, and most importantly, is ensuring there is a network of 10 AFTERMARKET MAY 2022 BIG ISSUE www.aftermarketonline.net rapid chargepoints. The government strategy is light on how this will be achieved. There are some innovative solutions, but it must go further. For example, all car park operators, say with 50 spaces or more, private and public, must be mandated to provide at least 20% of parking spots with access to a charge point. “To enact such a radical change in infrastructure needs both local and national authorities – and a significant investment. A £450 million LEVI Fund to boost local projects such as on-street charging, along with the existing £950m Rapid Charging Fund to rollout 6,000 high powered, rapid chargepoints across England’s motorways by 2035, is no small task. “Having the charging network, particularly rapid chargers, is vital to tackling range anxiety, and it’s great to see the government put the funding into this that it deserves. However, considering Britain has 30 million cars on its roads, it may not be enough, and EV infrastructure is one of those things that must be all or nothing if people are going to take the plunge.” Aidan added: “Another vital component is data, easily accessible and in real-time, so people have the confidence to know they can get where they are going. We are thrilled to see that the government is mandating that operators provide real-time data about chargepoints, including location and price, as well as the ability to pay with ease via a modern, contactless or app-based solution. The primary issue is, and remains, connectivity, not just the number of apps. Ultimately, the experience must be seamless to bring the car, the driver, and the charger together, and this should remain a key focus.” Reliable Ian Johnston, CEO at rapid EV charge point network operator Osprey Charging observed: “The announcement by the government is an important step towards ensuring that we have the right number of charging points in all locations across the UK. This is crucial to give everyone the confidence that when they make the switch to electric, they will be able to charge as easily as they refuel today, whenever and wherever they are. These charging stations simply must be reliable, easy to navigate and importantly, accessible for all. “There are already many billions of pounds of private investment committed for the deployment of charging infrastructure across the UK from networks like Osprey, and the announcements will allow this funding to provide the critical infrastructure to the areas that are as yet underserved, most notably motorway service areas and local authority towns.” Sustainable Richard Bartlett, Senior Vice President, bp pulse, observed: “This investment is vital to provide the charging infrastructure the UK needs. We’re investing to build a world-class network. This investment allows us to deliver more. More high-speed charging in dedicated hubs and on existing fuel and convenience sites. More home charging services, and crucial enhancements to our digital technology that will make charging fast, easy and reliable.” One of the key parts of the plan is a focus on contactless payment that will be uniform across all providers. According to Joel Teague, CEO of home electric charger sharing app Co Charger, this could be a stumbling block for