Less than 20% of local authorities in the South East of England have consulted with local businesses on an electric vehicle (EV) charge point strategy.

A study by Cornwall Insight and the Greater South East Net Zero Hub concludes that many local authorities struggle to understand the future demand for charging points in their respective areas.

More than half (53%) of the local authorities surveyed indicated that they do not have an electric vehicle charging infrastructure strategy in place, and of these, 17% said they were yet to consider developing a strategy.

Cost was identified as the primary barrier to developing a plan, while grid capacity and staffing were also cited as obstacles.

Katie Hickford, senior analyst at Cornwall Insight, said: “While the shortage of charge point strategies in many local authorities in the South East is concerning, it is the obstacles faced by local authorities in their ability to engage with local businesses and residents that need addressing in the first instance. After all, if you don’t know what the demand will be, how are you supposed to plan for it?

“By engaging with businesses and residents, local authorities can ensure that infrastructure meets the needs of the community, promotes the adoption of EVs, and contributes to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

“It is really key that industry supports local authorities, providing help and solutions to allow local authorities to understand demand and rollout charge points at pace.”

The finding come as the Government expands its Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) pilot, with 16 more councils receiving funding to deliver new charge points.

The LEVI pilot scheme is aimed at delivering commercial electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure for residents, from faster on-street charge points to larger petrol station-style charging hubs.

Transport minister Jesse Norman says it will help deliver up to a further 2,400 charge points in the short term.

Last year, Telematics specialist Geotab found that almost three quarters of local authorities in the UK have electrified less than 10% of their fleets and the majority have fewer than 50 chargers in place.

The government expects local authorities to support and deliver EV charge points and is considering taking pre-emptive powers to put a statutory obligation on them to develop strategies and oversee delivery. A consultation on this is expected in 2023.

 

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