ChargeUK, the organisation that represents the EV charging industry, has published its election manifesto for the next government.
Our Electric Future: ChargeUK’s manifesto, calls on the next government to adopt a series of measures that will accelerate the roll out of charging infrastructure and ensure drivers have access to convenient and affordable charging.
The organisation wants the removal of grid, planning and permitting challenges which it believes is slowing the UK down, as well as the inclusion of renewable electricity in the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation Scheme.
It also looking for charging and owning an EV to be made easier and more affordable by equalising VAT, encouraging lower cost electricity, improving signage and supporting drivers to buy or lease an EV.
ChargeUK also wants to maximise private investment which would include clarifying the Rapid Charging Fund, speeding up the use of the Local EV Infrastructure Fund, addressing significant increases in standing charges, and working with the sector to develop HGV charging provision.
Vicky Read, CEO of ChargeUK, said, “There are already 60,000 public charge points available in the UK today.
“This, combined with over half a million home and work-place chargers, means that today’s EV drivers can be sure the charging infrastructure will be there for them.
“One in three of those public chargers was installed in the last year, underlining the pace with which the rollout is taking place.
“But ChargeUK’s members want to go faster – we know that providing infrastructure ahead of demand is essential if we are to give the UK’s future EV drivers the confidence to switch.
“We also know that our infrastructure has to be easy for drivers to use and that it must be affordable.
“Our manifesto details a comprehensive plan to support the UK’s transition to net zero, ensuring convenient and affordable charging for all drivers.”