The Government has approved the spending of over £185million on electric vehicles chargers as more councils receive funds to install devices across the UK.
Following the approval, an additional 44 councils from Torbay to Tees Valley have now received money to install EV charging points as the Government ups its support.
Many drivers and key players in the industry have called on the Government to introduce further measures to ensure more people have the ability to switch to an EV.
Anthony Browne, technology and decarbonisation minister, said: “This Government has a plan to help speed up the installation of EV chargepoints, which we’re getting on and delivering.
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A total of 44 councils received money in the new round of funding
GETTY“This dedicated funding to local councils is part of our plan to ensure people can switch from a petrol or diesel car to an EV when they choose to do so.”
The Government has been recently criticised by the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) for not doing enough to help with the transition to electric.
The organisation, which launched its Zero Emission Van Plan, warned that without immediate action support for EVs will fall short.
The Association added that fleet operators are eager to make the transition to zero emission vans work but are struggling.
Challenges with infrastructure both public and private, regulation, as well as affordability and availability of suitable products are holding back their ability to move to zero emission vans, the group claimed.
Amanda Solloway, Minister for Affordability and Skills, added that the funding will make it easier for people to switch to electric vehicles.
She explained that bolstering the public charging network makes electric vehicles more accessible, but also helps drive the transition towards a cleaner, greener future.
Edmund King, AA president, highlighted a survey from the organisation that showed how one of the main reasons why many drivers are hesitant towards switching to EVs is the perception that there are not enough charging points.
To give confidence to drivers for the future, there needs to be a push to overcome these barriers, King warned.
As of the end of February 2024, there are now over one million fully electric cars on UK roads and a further 620,000 plug-in hybrids.
There are now over 57,000 public chargepoints across the UK, an increase of 47 per cent from this time last year.
The acceleration of electric chargers forms part of the Government’s mandate which requires 80 per cent of new cars and 70 per cent of new vans sold in Great Britain to be zero emission by 2030.
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The Government has been accused of not doing enough to help with the transition to EVs
GETTYThis figure will be moved to 100 per cent by 2035, providing certainty to both consumers and industry while helping to safeguard skilled UK jobs in the car industry.