Drivers of electric cars have been left furious over long waiting times for a charging point, and tech problems as Labour is urged to intervene.
Recent reports detailed how two thirds (66 per cent) of electric vehicle drivers have been forced to wait more than 10 minutes at a public charging station for an available device, highlighting "significant challenges" with the charging infrastructure.
The report revealed that drivers had to wait on average 22 minutes to charge their vehicle, although in some cases this could be as much as two hours.
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A further 74 per cent of surveyed drivers reported seeing public charging spots blocked by cars not plugged in, while 64 per cent reported devices not working altogether.
Experts have warned about infrastructure problems relating to electric chargers in the UK
| GETTYMeanwhile, four out of five drivers (80 per cent) detailed having to plan shorter leisure trips which avoid needing to recharge en route.
Matt Pernet, head of Direct Line Motor Insurance, said: "Reliable and accessible charging is crucial for confidence and convenience among EV drivers.
"These findings highlight the impact of public charging infrastructure on electric vehicle owners. The summer holidays are well underway, and these statistics show how many people would have planned their route based on the need to charge their vehicle."
Mr Pernet explained that for EV drivers, being prepared is crucial and that they should plan their route, "find where the charging facilities are and consider where they may be busiest".
"Avoiding certain times of day could also be a consideration," he added.
Drivers reported having to wait as long as two hours to charge their vehicles
| GETTYDelvin Lane, chief executive of public charger company InstaVolt, said that he empathised with EV drivers who experience challenges when charging.
But he did note that across the UK there are now more than 84,000 public charging points, "with the network growing by around two new chargers every hour".
According to Zapmap data, this year alone, 10,519 charge points have been added to the UK public network. The power group with the most charge points added was Slow, with less than 8kW, with 4,100 added since the beginning of the year.
These slower chargers are typically found on-street, in car parks, hotels or other destinations. Only 1,821 ultra-rapid charger points have been added to the UK charging network since the beginning of the year.
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But more worryingly, the lack of fast chargers could risk impacting the UK’s ambitious Zero Emission Vehicle mandate.
The mandate requires all new car sales to be electric by 2030, with at least 28 per cent electric this year, with the UK currently at roughly 21 per cent already.
A report by the National Audit Office published last year found the UK’s rollout of public EV chargers was "on track" to meet the total of 300,000 the Department for Transport estimates will be the minimum needed by that point to support the ZEV mandate.
To help drivers install chargers and help push the mandate along, last month, Labour announced a £63million boost for electric vehicles.
There are more than 84,000 electric vehicle charging points
| OSPREY CHARGINGTransport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: "We are making it easier and cheaper to own an electric vehicle. We know access to charging is a barrier for people thinking of making the switch, so we are tackling that head-on so that everyone - whether or not they have a driveway - can access the benefits of going electric."
She explained that the investment is about more than just charging points and was also about "charging up Britain’s economy". "This is what our Plan for Change mission to kickstart Britain’s economy looks like in practice," she stated.
Edmund King, AA president, added: "There are more public chargers than people realise, but they are often hidden in plain sight.
"Increasing signs for the public network is vital to help the EV transition, as it will create confidence for drivers both now and in the future. It is great to see more support for those without off-street parking so that they can also benefit from the EV revolution."