Urgent demands for more electric car chargers in rural areas as drivers face 'challenging' situation

The research, from the end of August, shows a year-on-year increase of 41 per cent in the number of public devices, highlighting the growth of the charging infrastructure.

Despite the impressive increase in the number of chargers, there are still concerns that a postcode lottery is in effect, with London having double the number of combined chargers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailingmotoring@gbnews.uk

The AA is now warning that more help needs to be targeted towards the approximately 40 per cent of households without dedicated off-street parking.

Data from the Government shows that 7.5 per cent of all public chargers are found in "village and dispersed areas", while 5.7 per cent are in "towns and fringe areas".

This is compared to 49 per cent being found in "major conurbations" and 33.9 per cent in towns and cities.

The AA said it was concerned that rural communities could be left behind when installing the important national infrastructure.

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, said: "Drivers leaving busy, urban areas will have discovered that the nation’s charging infrastructure needs more investment in rural locations.

"Away from popular attractions, finding a chargepoint can be more challenging.

"Meanwhile the fictional village of Ambridge is in the process of opening its own EV charging hub, complete with a café and possible hairdressers. If The Archers can build a charging station then others can make it a reality."

It comes as new data from the AA EV Recharge Report found that electric car owners saw a slight increase in flat rate costs for both fast and rapid speeds.

Drivers saw a two pence increase at fast chargers and a penny rise at rapid chargers, although peak rate slow charging, which is usually found at lampposts, fell by 1p in August.

The AA also pointed to similar tactics used by petrol and diesel vehicle owners, encouraging all drivers to "shop around" for cheaper chargers.

It found that people using ultra-rapid chargers away from peak times will pay an average of 24 per cent less, while savings of 34 per cent can be seen when compared to an average flat-rate charger.

Cousens continued, saying: "EV drivers travelling across the country this summer may have been surprised at the timing of the most recent increase in prices.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

• Driving law changes you may have missed in September - HMRC rules for motorists, Ulez updates and more
  
• Tesla achieves impressive milestone amid surge in electric car sales - 'Do the right thing for the planet'
• Major car brands recall 350,000 vehicles amid fears 'engines will be replaced' and airbags may injure drivers

"However, any concerns about queues building at popular chargers with EVs waiting to plug in didn’t materialise as most drivers could charge and go without any fuss.

"Even with the slight increase, there are big savings to be had. Planning stops at ultra-rapid chargers during off-peak hours means driver could save a tenner compared to using a flat rate alternative."