Only 25% of drivers notice EV chargers discussed in local manifestos
Ahead of May’s local and mayoral elections, motorists have noted an absence of conversation around charging infrastructure from candidates, according to research from Vauxhall.
The study found that only 25 per cent of respondents noticed issues around charging infrastructure playing a role in the political manifestos and canvassing of local candidates, suggesting it has dropped off the political agenda.
The research shows a growing reliance on local authorities to provide on street electric vehicle (EV) charging, with 75 per cent of motorists saying they are depending on Local Authorities (LAs) to install on-street charging.
Only 30 per cent of respondents say motorists who own or want to own an EV are supported by their local council, with numbers noticeably lower in regions outside of London. Highlighting the issues further, only 10 per cent of drivers told Vauxhall they were happy with the levels of on-street charging in their area, with satisfaction rates in Wales dropping to as low as four per cent.
Alongside an online database for drivers to register charging needs in their area, Vauxhall has established an ‘Enablement Fund’ to help LAs, working with leading charging operators char.gy, Connected Kerb and SureCharge.
Recent figures show London holds up to 60 per cent of the UK’s on-street chargers, with wider regions lagging.
This lack of parity is apparent in Vauxhall’s most recent research, as London was found to be the only region of the country where the majority of motorists say EV drivers are supported by their local council.
James Taylor, managing director at Vauxhall, said: “Electric vehicle charging infrastructure is just one of many concerns that should be discussed in great detail ahead of this year’s local and mayoral elections.
"While recent figures show charge point numbers are increasing, our latest research highlights how drivers are increasingly reliant on their Local Authorities to make sure infrastructure needs are being met."
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