A dealer group has welcomed extra funding for EV charge points in the UK.
UK transport secretary (minister) Grant Shapps announced an additional GBP2.5m to fund the installation of over 1,000 new EV charge points.
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The allocation of funding for on-street residential charge points is part of the GBP1.5bn investment underpinned by the Road to Zero Strategy.
He said: “It’s vital electric vehicle drivers feel confident about the availability of charge points near their homes, and that charging an electric car is seen as easy as plugging in a smartphone.”
Additionally, in July, the government announced all newly installed rapid and higher powered charge points should provide debit or credit card payment by spring 2020.
“It is positive to see that the government has announced additional funds for charge points on residential streets,” said Sue Robinson, director of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), which represents car and commercial vehicle retailers in the UK.
“The announcement is a step in the right direction but it is vital the government continues to invest to improve the charging infrastructure currently available.
“The findings of our latest Consumer Attitude Survey suggested that ‘access to charging’ still represents a barrier to buying an electric vehicle for 53% of consumers. The charging process needs to become as straightforward as possible to give consumers the confidence to own an electric car.
“NFDA will continue to liaise with the government to support the development of the electric vehicle market through coordinated efforts where industry and sector stakeholders collaborate as in our Electric Vehicle Approved (EVA) accreditation scheme.”
