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SMMT recommends new body to regulate charging infrastructure
16 March 2022
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) recently published a seven-point plan which aims to ensure that ‘every driver in Britain can benefit from an electric vehicle charging network that is affordable, available and accessible to all’.
It calls for the mandate to be governed by a proposed independent regulator, Ofcharge.
The seven points are:
- Put the consumer at the centre of infrastructure policy and planning to ensure their needs are met at every stage.
- Deliver a national plan to provide consumers with the right number of the right chargers in the right places.
- Invest to establish a ‘right to change’ for drivers of all electric vehicles, in all regions and from all backgrounds.
- Mandate legally binding targets to ensure an abundance of chargepoints in every part of the UK.
- Establish a new regulator “Ofcharge” to ensure charging is affordable, accessible and as easy as – if not easier than – refuelling.
- Boost chargepoint rollout with enhanced and ringfaed funding for local authorities and innovative public-private partnerships that de-risk investment.
- Ensure the electricity system decarbonises at pace so that all ‘green’ cars are chargeable with ‘green’ energy.
The report has been released in light of statistics which show that there are not enough EV chargers available to satiate EV energy demand and that this is ‘undermining consumer confidence to make the switch’.
SMMT figures show that plug-in cars and battery electric cars on the road grew by 280.3 per cent and 586.8 respectively between 2019 and 2021, but standard chargepoints increased by just 69.8 per cent in the same period and ultra-rapid charger stock grew by only 82.3 per cent.
SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes said, “The automotive industry is up for the challenge of a zero-emission new car and van market by 2035. Delivering this ambition – an ambition that would put the UK ahead of every major market in the world – needs more than automotive investment. It needs the commensurate commitment of all other stakeholders, especially the charging industry as surveys show that range anxiety has been replaced by charging anxiety.
“Our plan puts the consumer at the heart of this transition, assuring them of the best possible experience backed by an independent regulator. With clear, equivalent targets and support for operators and local authorities that match consumer needs, government can ensure the UK has a chargepoint network that makes electric mobility a reality for all, cutting emissions, driving growth and supporting consumers across the UK.”
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