The evolution of EV charging infrastructure in the UK has seen significant progress, with the availability of over 56,000 public chargers, a figure that has doubled since 2020. This achievement owes much to the concerted efforts of the UK Government and local bodies, bolstered by initiatives like the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund and the On-Street Residential Charging Scheme (ORCS), which provided a much-needed boost to the nascent charging network.
Yet, from a private sector vantage point, a reassessment of the Government’s strategy is imperative. Despite the ambitious target of deploying 300,000 chargers by 2030, the approach to realizing this goal appears flawed. The crux of the issue lies in defining the roles of public and private entities in facilitating the construction of new infrastructure and fostering collaboration between them.
While opinions among major private stakeholders may vary, the consensus is that the Government must leverage private expertise more effectively in the rollout of the UK’s EV charging framework.
There are precedents for successful public-private collaboration, such as the privatisation of British Telecom in the late 20th century and the efficient distribution of vaccines, demonstrating that private investment and know-how can complement governmental efforts.
Regarding EV charging funding, a paradigm shift is needed. Initial government policies like the LEVI Fund and ORCS, while beneficial at the outset, especially in rural areas, no longer serve their intended purpose for most local governments. The current system, which provides funding but lacks guidance on its optimal utilization, often results in councils delaying the deployment of chargers or opting for the simplest solutions, such as lamppost chargers, without considering practical charging needs.
Moreover, the Rapid Charging Fund and its pilot scheme for EV chargepoints at motorway services fail to address the spatial and infrastructural challenges, overlooking viable locations well-connected to the National Grid along A-roads that could benefit landowners and the agricultural sector.
To rectify this, the Government should pivot towards policies encouraging private sector participation in the creation of a national EV charging network. This involves setting more ambitious charger installation targets for local authorities and fostering private-public partnerships to bridge funding gaps.
Innovative private operators are already financing EV charger installations and maintenance, sharing profits or rental income with local authorities and landowners. This approach not only saves taxpayer money but also ensures a strategic allocation of chargers based on location and cost-effectiveness.
The Government is urged to simplify the acquisition of council land for EV charging purposes and to diversify the locations of charging hubs beyond motorways, facilitating the establishment of community charging stations in urban centers and retail areas.
By embracing a policy framework that capitalizes on the private sector’s resources and expertise, the UK has the potential to develop a world-class EV charging infrastructure, making it a global exemplar in sustainable transportation.
