New electric car charter aims to overhaul charging network to make it easier for drivers to switch
The charter has the backing of a number of key players in the EV industry
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The first electric vehicle public charging charter has been published with the aim of improving the reliability of the charging network.
EV campaign group FairCharge and the RAC are calling for the implementation of “world-class standards” across the electric car charging sector.
Both organisations are calling for a minimum set of standards for the Government, local authorities, landowners and charge point operators to adhere to.
One of the main proposals is for chargers to have a 99 per cent reliability guarantee, something the Government pledged earlier this year.
There are almost 50,000 public EV chargers across the UK
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This would also include clear information for drivers about the condition of chargers and whether they work or not, with a repair target of 48 hours.
Signs on major roads and motorways should also show the locations of the fastest chargers and charge point operators should ensure motorists can see the price per kWh at every station.
Commenting on the charter, Quentin Willson, founder of FairCharge, said: “I’ve this week written to the new energy secretary (Claire Coutinho MP) urging her to support this campaign and help boost the UK’s energy independence and security.
“We’ve produced this charter after talking to hundreds of EV drivers and it represents their wish list for building a world-class public charging network.
“Government, operators, councils, and local authorities should reflect on what these pioneering drivers of EVs have told us.
“Only by carefully listening to those who have already driven electric cars for years will this country get the charging infrastructure and EV policies to be fit for the future.”
The campaign is also supported by Robert Llewellyn’s Fully Charged Show, trade body Recharge UK, and EV disability champion ChargeSafe.
The charter calls for more accessible chargers and parking for electric car drivers, with councils and operators being urged to make terms and conditions clearer and unambiguous.
There have been complaints from some EV drivers that it is difficult to keep up with the different chargers and the apps and payment methods they require.
Because of this, the charter argues that payment should be “faff-free” using contactless methods without needing to download apps with digital receipts.
Rod Dennis, spokesperson for the RAC, added: “As the market for electric cars really starts to open up in the UK, it’s vital we have enough public chargers in enough locations to make charging as straightforward as possible.
“But quality is as important as quantity: drivers will quickly become frustrated if they discover chargers that aren’t working, or they can’t clearly see how much they’re going to pay before they plug in.
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The charter aims to give drivers the confidence to switch to an EV
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“And for those with specific accessibility needs, having chargers that meet the new British Standard is vital.
“This charter – a first for the UK – addresses all these issues and more which is why we’re calling on the whole sector to get behind it and help deliver an electric car charging experience that puts drivers first.”